With the global economy in turmoil, and millions of people unemployed, consumers are diligently looking for ways to cut costs. One of the most expensive monthly mandatory bills beside rent or a house mortgage is the cost of electric. Every year the major electric companies are raising the rate of electric, ignoring the constant pressure it puts on consumers as long as their profits soar. Consumers are demanding a change and taking matters into their own hands finding alternatives sources for generating power.

Solar in the home is the number one and probably easiest forms of generating power for the average home owner. Solar panels are easily installed by the average home owner or can be contracted by a local carpenter. Solar panels can also be made from common materials found at the local stores. We personally made 2 solar panels to help heat our in ground pool in the summer time. Otherwise, with the high cost of fuel and electric, we would be swimming in very cold water most of the summer because we would be unable to afford to pay our local power company. Just running the pool filter alone triples our electric bill.

Switching to solar in home seems expensive compared to the power options we have today and deters many people. But when you sit down and pencil the costs of heating and electric over so many years, solar energy will pay for itself over time. The cost of the sun's energy does not have to be factored in since it is always free! How much will power operating expense rise in the next year? What about 5 years from now? I just heard to analysts on the radio going to work last week. One said gas was to be over five dollars by 2012 and the other said gas would not hit that price until 2020. Which one is right? Who knows? Will the electric companies follow suit? You bet they will and without conscience. If you have been contemplating installing solar in your home, now would be a wise decision to get it done. For those who act without delay could be saving hundreds or even thousands for years to come.

Utilizing the sun's energy makes sense since it is absolutely free and causes no side effects to the environment like other methods used today. The damage done to the environment by carelessness and pollution is most of the time unable to be repaired and our children deserve to enjoy the beauty in which we have had. Will it become standard to have solar in every home across the globe? Only time will tell.