Is there any good, inexpensive roof-top generators that don't use the tall, unsightly and expensive towers? I saw those Mag-Wind ones, but they look and sound expensive. I saw these drum looking things on roof tops, I think the photo was from Europe.

I don't know which one you are refering with "drum looking". There is a German product called "Windwandler" that mounts on roof tops. I believe it produces up to 1.5 kwh. The system was 7000 euros a couple of years ago. Google it and you'll come up with something. They have an "english" button.

Check out www.pacwind.net. Vertical axis wind turbines.