Residential solar panels are quick becoming a popular way to supplement or even replace traditional electrical power. This is due in part to rising energy costs and a growing awareness by consumers of global warming. With millions of people looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint solar power has seen a resurgence with new DIY (do it yourself) installations and solar companies leading the charge. Just a few decades ago when solar power first emerged it was considered too difficult and expensive to implement, but with recent advances in technology more people are harnessing the power of the sun. These solar energy producing machines cost less than a few hundred dollars to make and are now well within reach.

There are many advantages to solar power of which reducing your electric bill is the most obvious benefit. Residential solar panels are capable of replacing up to 80 per cent of your home's energy needs. The amount of power these panels generate depend on the amount of time they are exposed to the sun. If you happen to live in an area that has year round sunshine, then your electric needs are solved.

Another strategy that homeowners are employing is reselling their excess power back to the electric utility companies. This is easily done by calculating how much power is needed during a specific interval. Once that figure is ascertained then all that needs to be done is to increase the number of panels and batteries since these dictate how much electricity you will be producing. This can be a wise investment for your home and pocketbook along with being great for the environment.

Residential solar panels can be store bought, expensive, or built using materials easily found at your local hardware store. Many people opt for the do it yourself route and there are many good guides that can walk you step by step on how to make a solar panel. These panels can be made inexpensively by using ordinary household tools and a good guide. Whichever route you take, you will continue to reap returns into the future.

Current environmental and economic conditions are forcing us to make hard choices on how we live and use our resources. With the viability of renewable energy and people becoming aware to our planets health, we are adapting to new technologies in order to thrive and survive. Energy sources like the sun and wind are helping to forge a new era and residential solar panels are in the forefront of this change.