You may be surprised to learn how solar energy extraction has been around for over 100 years, and during the industrial revolution, the sun was used to produce steam which would then drive turbines generating power.

The technology we use today does not rely on steam, but the charging of electrons contained within solar cells made of semi-conductive material. So, we can learn by this, that solar technology not at all in it’s infancy, as many people currently believe. We should have much more confidence in the energy we are able to harness from the sun, and use this on a much larger scale.

Everyday, more energy hits your average rooftop than the energy which comes into your home through wires. This shows you the huge capacity that solar energy has to offer.

Many people agree, and rightly so, that the best source of natural energy out there (the sun) is hugely underrated. Solar energy has the potential to provide a home with a free (or a significant boost to a) power supply all year round.

New technologies are making solar panels increasingly efficient regarding power output, durability, and their ability to harness much more solar energy on dull and cloudy days. This makes a solar panel a very good option for integration to any household.

An ever growing number of people concerned about our environment, and the future effects of global warming, have found great success in installing a solar panel and home wind turbine mix. This provides a more stable energy supply, as in the summer your solar panel can shine, and in the winter your small wind turbine will provide that extra piece of mind.

The only reason that should stop you, or put you off the idea of home energy production is the initial cost. Many people cannot afford the initial investment needed, but if you can, the future benefits regarding your extremely low electricity bills will be well worth the investment.

Dreaming and fantasizing are the first step towards innovation. People all over the world and especially in America are dreaming of a green world where there will be only solar power energizing the needs of the entire country.

Experts feel that in five years, solar power will be cheap enough to compete with conventional electricity, even in UK, Africa, Australia and India. If that is the case more and more people will use solar energy in their homes. In a decade, the cost may have fallen so dramatically that solar cells could undercut oil, gas and coal. Technology is leaping ahead towards eco friendly, pollution free and a green future with the advent of solar energy homes.

Companies producing solar products feel that the day is not so far off when all the cities in America and Europe generate their heating, lighting and air-conditioning needs from solar energy for their homes and on buildings with enough left over to feed a surplus back into the grid.

A piece of dark polymer foil, as thin a sheet of paper can cause this wonder. It is 200 times lighter than the normal glass-based solar materials, which require expensive substrates and roof support. Indeed, it is so light it can be stuck to the sides of buildings.

This can be mass-produced in cheap rolls like packaging and can be in any color to go with the structure and design of the solar energy home. It will be the icing on the cake when the capital cost of solar power falls below the rate of oil or gas. That will be the day when every individual would wish to switch to solar energy for their home use.

Scientists all over the world say that the future lies with solar energy. Using solar energy for home use like heating, cooking, driving car and for all other uses like charging your mobile phone, street lights and heating the swimming pool and powering your computer will become a way of life.
Just as the saying goes that sun never stops shining in California, a solar energy home will never lack the power required to run the house.

China is another country which is fast using this solar technology for its future growth. Japan already is moving in the direction of saving its excess power and the government there is helping device methods to save money on fuel. The future of solar energy homes is spreading rapidly in the east. The Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy is formulating a program to introduce solar energy to more than a million homes in the next few years.

India has long days and plenty of sunshine, especially in the Thar Desert region of Rajastan. With abundant solar energy available, this zone is attracting attention from the Indian government for its research purposes. Solar energy is being used in India for heating water for both industrial and domestic purposes.

Human beings may not be trustworthy but the sun is always kind and generous to mankind in general. Let’s hope the future of solar energy homes all over the world is not very far away.

Since Al Gore’s documentary film “An Inconvenient Truth” hit the world’s consciousness, local governments and citizen groups have become more vocal in demanding alternative renewable energy sources. One highly viable source certainly in parts of the United States is solar power. One state taking a stand for it’s citizens to have the opportunity to do their part is Arizona. In June of 2007, Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard, ruled in favor of new requirements that would force the public utilities and their customers to get at least 15 percent of their power from renewable energy sources by the year 2025.

The approval means that the Arizona Corporation Commission can demand that these new measures be met by utility companies it regulates. This includes the following pubic utilities Tucson Electric Power and Arizona Public Service Company (APS). Salt River Project (SRP) is controlled by the Arizona state legislature. Utility companies will start investing more in renewable energy sources. Customers will be charged more to participate in the new guidelines imposed. Additional charges to the consumer will be 35 cents per month on their utility bill. One energy expert said that adding this surcharge to the utility bill is the best way to ramp up Arizona’s renewable energy program.

Democratic Governor Janet Napolitano joined the Governors of California, Oregon, New Mexico, Utah, and Washington in an alignment to create market based programs to make utilities and their customers curb their carbon emissions by 15 percent from 2005 levels. In September, six Green bills took effect after state legislators approve them and Governor Napolitano signed them into law.

Solar energy for residential home just got a boost with the passing of Arizona State Bill SB 1254 passed the House and the Senate in Arizona at the end of September 2007. The new law will make it illegal for a home owners association to stop a home owner from putting solar panels on their property. The bill, was sponsored by Paradise Valley Republican Barbara Leff. She said that HOA’s can put reasonable restrictions on how the solar panels can be arranged on the rooftops as long as it won’t raise the cost of the installation or reduce the panels’ efficiency. The new law is very clear that an association shall not prohibit the installation or use of a solar energy device. An association may however adopt reasonable rules regarding the placement of solar panels if those rules do not prevent the installation, impair the functioning or efficiency of a device or restrict its use or adversely affect the cost or efficiency of the device.

My opinion is that there is a bright future in Arizona real estate with solar. Having solar panels on roof tops of homes will only increase the value of homes over those that do not have panels; the public has spoken and wants cleaner and cheaper power. Additionally, homeowners who are looking for ways to save money can realize monthly savings with solar panels driving their heat, water and electric appliances. Alternative energy and real estate do go hand in hand.