There can be many reasons for wanting to install solar panels on a property, be it a residential or commercial building. With the average annual cost of a household’s electric bill in the US now standing at more than two thousand dollars, the benefits of switching to an alternative energy system should never be taken for granted.

It is for good reason that solar panels are now becoming a more common sight up and down the country. With big improvements over the last decade in the efficiency of the various components that make up the panels, it is now realistic to completely power your home from the sun’s energy. If you live in a part of the country that receives a high number of sunny days each year then there may even be the option of selling excess electricity to the national power grid for a healthy profit.

When we think about solar panels and other renewable energy systems, environmental considerations are usually high on the agenda. As most of the electricity supplied by the main utility companies still comes from the combustion of oil, gas, and coal, the environmental impact of continuing this trend should not be forgotten. By choosing to power your home from the sun’s rays you can dramatically lower your household’s carbon footprint and be happy in the knowledge that you are taking steps to combat global warming and climate change.

If you have a property that cannot be connected to the grid, or is in an area prone to power outages, then an array of solar panels should ensure that you never have a problem again. Many people are still under the wrong impression that a solar energy system can only provide electricity during daylight hours. As the energy that is created is stored in a number of batteries there should always be ample supply for when the sun is not out.

There will be certain factors that have an impact on how much electricity you would be able to produce through a solar panel. For a start you would need to ensure that the panels themselves are aligned in such a way that they receive the maximum sunlight. In the northern hemisphere this would be a southerly direction. Also it is essential to install the panels away from any objects which could cause damage such as trees and other vegetation.

As the cost of the technology used becomes lower, more homes and businesses are considering switching to solar energy. If you have some understanding of DIY you could put together your own panels and save even more money. This is an option that is not so far fetched, their are DIY kits available that can allow you to become self sufficient in energy in almost no time.