We need to look for solutions to reduce our carbon footprint and conserve our home, planet earth. Solar power is a way of harnessing the energy from the sun and using it to power your home. It is a renewable and clean energy source.

As the earth’s population continues to grow exponentially, we are depleting our natural resources and we need to change our thinking. In addition to that, electric companies continue to raise their rates. In my locale, the electric company has changed its’ monthly billings to a two tier plan. By way of explanation, the first tier is a certain amount of energy used each month billed at one rate, and the second tier is the balance of the energy used and is billed at a premium rate.

Most homes, even utilizing the most energy efficient appliances, being properly insulated and using energy saving fixtures cannot possibly use just the amount of energy that is billed in the first tier. This necessitates the option of a free energy source, such as solar panels.

Solar panels, if bought and installed from a supplier, can cost as much as $9,000.00. It would take several years to recoup this cost, if you can even afford to install such a system in the first place.

This brings us to another, more cost effective option. A DIY guide can provide you with step by step instructions, using supplies that can be obtained from your local hardware store, to build and install your own solar panels. Imagine how much money you can save even in just one year, by reducing your electric bill. This guide can be purchased for under $50.00, the cost of which will be recovered by you in just under three months with the savings from your electrical bills.