With increasing risks of nuclear type energy becoming more apparent, it makes even more sense to look for other ways to provide power for our homes.  There is a source of energy that could be called “alternative” that really isn’t – because it has been supplying energy to us for aeons now.  This energy source is of course the sun.

So how do you capture the energy of the sun and convert it in to useful power that will make our appliances, electronics – and soon – our cars run?  The most popular way is by using solar panels.  Solar panels are designed to capture the sun’s energy.

There are different sizes of solar panels, from small ones that power your wristwatch to the largest ones that power the International Space Station.  The size that will make most sense for the average homeowner who just wants a way to power his TV and washing machine are in between those.  They are actually just the right size for fitting on your roof.

Installing solar panels on your home used to prove more difficult than it is today.  Today, there are more people who are familiar with this technology, and more importantly much greater technical expertise in installing.   This has translated into lower costs for the consumer and less intrusive panels.

But possibly the greatest incentive to the average homeowner actually going ahead and taking advantage of solar power in their own home is financial.  In California, the government has made it a tax advantage for homeowners to install solar panels.  And California Solar Companies have of course stepped up to provide the technical know-how and products for consumers to have this benefit installed on their own homes.