Solar powered energy systems allow you to capture the sun’s energy and turn it into usable power. When you consider that enough sunlight falls on the earth’s surface each minute to meet the world’s energy needs for an entire year, it’s clear that the solution rises every morning.

Personally I’d say that the biggest advantage of solar power is that it’s free. The high prices that we’ve recently been paying at the gas pump have motivated us to reflect on the root cause of the problem and consider the consequences of our nation’s dangerous addiction to foreign oil. Americans’ oil habits threaten our economy and at the same time it is pinching our pockets.

Solar powered energy is renewable. While it might be stronger in some areas and there could be rainy days when no sun is available, no matter how much solar power we use, we will never deplete the resource. This is in sharp contrast to the fossil fuels we use now which are dwindling in supply. If you think about it, this energy drives the weather and climate and supports nearly all life on Earth. We already have the technology and the materials to utilize it but we don’t because certain corporations would stand to loose way too much money so “We The People” continue to be drained of all of our money.

Also, unlike fossil fuels, solar power does not harm the environment. The difference solar power can make is dramatic. For example, every kW produced has zero carbon emissions, which significantly reduces the carbon footprint. There are no byproducts of solar power that leach into the air and create pollution or contribute to greenhouse gasses. In addition, acquiring the power is not intrusive to the environment like some other forms of energy. About the most intrusive part would be the solar panels which are well suited in most areas to fit snugly on the roof.

A solar energy system investment is an increase in your equity and not the utility company’s. Both the government and utility companies offer financial incentives to encourage the purchase of a solar electric system.

When using solar powered energy for your home, you can be a self contained unit. While it might not be practical in some areas to rely solely on the sun for power, other, less developed, areas might benefit immensely by being able to power homes and schools with the sun without having to install power plants and run electrical cables. In areas where there is not enough sunlight for household needs, systems can be setup so that you can hook into the electrical grid during those times when more energy is needed.