Have you wondered if there was a better way to produce the electricity you need? Have you heard the buzz over new solar panel technology? Is solar energy right for you? Solar panels do not pollute the environment, they offer cheap or free energy to those who use solar power, and creates a solution for the predicted energy shortages due to hit America if our infrastructure is not updated. Let me explain.

One of the many great things about solar energy is that it does not release pollutants into the environment. Fossil fuel power plants invariably release various pollutants into the air. Coal fueled power plants release carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxide (NOX), airborne particles, and even mercury. Fossil fuel plants are blamed for a number of health damaging effects. Not to mention the noise these power plants generate. While the industry is hopeful about clean burning power plants, the technology is many years away from a reality. Solar panels do not release anything into the environment and have no waste by-products. Solar panels are clean and environmentally friendly. This is a stark contrast to the old technology of power plants and the dwindling resources they use for fuel. In fact, pollution aside, the price and availability of said natural resource present another problem that solar panels offer a solution to!

Once the initial investment in solar panels are made, the electricity generated is free. The only resource a solar panel needs is sunlight. And because there are no moving parts in a solar powered system, there is little to no maintenance necessary. Solar panels just passively soak up the sun and turn it's rays into free usable energy with no ill effects to the environment, or your pocket book! In fact, with the right power meter, you will be able to sell your excess energy to the power company. How is that for an operating cost? Solar panels offer a way for you to personally achieve energy independence.

For a number of factors, the cost of electricity is expected to climb drastically over the next several years. Part of that problem is our aging and outdated power infrastructure. Moving electricity from one part of the country to another is inefficient and costly due to the age of our system. Governmental and legal roadblocks are preventing new power plants from being built in numbers needed to keep up with the growing demand for electricity. The growing concern is, soon, demand will greatly exceed the ability to provide power. Utilizing solar panels during home construction makes sense. The cost of running power lines out to a house is more than it would be to install a solar generating system in a home. This allows homeowners to get off the electricity grid and away from the uncertainties of America's energy debate. You will have a certain sense of freedom knowing your family's budget is no longer subject to the will of others. Whether it's a new home or an existing home, solar panels offer the chance to be self sufficient. An added bonus to solar technology is now it is cheaper than ever to purchase solar technology.

Previously, solar technology was expensive. In an effort to promote solar energy, state and federal government offer tax breaks for someone converting to solar power. This has greatly reduced the initial investment cost of conversion. Today, new technology and new kinds of solar panels have further reduced costs, as the new solar panels are cheaper and simpler to manufacture. With the manufacture of solar panels becoming more common, you can now learn how to build your own solar panels with materials found at your local hardware store. This allows you to convert to solar energy on a tight budget. It doesn't take great skill and anyone can build them. This gives you the flexibility and freedom in reducing, if not eliminating, your reliance on your electricity provider.