Solar power has numerous advantages over other sources of energy. For one thing, the sun could supply five thousand times as much as the world is using now!

Availability is important, but that's just the beginning. Throughout history humans have taken advantage of the sun for light and heat. But when we consider that sun is not only clean energy, it's renewable, low maintenance and it's silent. Just think about complaints we hear about those windmill turbines!

Some consider that there's one disadvantage to solar panels. That's where price comes in. Since making photovoltaic energy is an expensive and delicate process, acceptance of them has been so long in the making. But what you should consider is that they require very little maintenance, they lower your electric bill and add value to your home. Not to mention, if there is a major grid failure - you are protected. All you need to do is hook up your system to a set of batteries.

While it's still very expensive to install a solar electric system (from £8,000 for a very small house up to £30,000 to power a large house) future savings on your power will repay your total investment. In some cases it can reduce your electric bill by two thirds.

Not only is there a substantial savings on your electric bill, local, state and federal government are pitching in to help encourage home owners to go solar. To find out the incentive to lower the cost for the installation in your area you can go to your local, state and federal government. The incentives offered include rebates, deductions and exemptions, lower than market rate loans and tax credits. It may even happen that your meter will turn backwards if your system generates more power then you use at any one time.

Today interest in solar energy is higher than ever because of fears of heating fuel shortages. Energy from our sun has kept us alive for millions of years, and today the prospect of making even more use of photovoltaic energy may be our best solution.