Solar generators convert solar energy into electricity using a collection of solar cells. These cells also known as photovoltaic cells and are placed in solar panels. These panels are usually fitted onto roofs but they can also be installed as free standing devices away from the house.

As long as you live in a fairly sunny area you will be able to generate electricity at a very low cost, and once you have covered the cost of installing your solar power system you will be generating electricity for free. It’s possible that you could sell excess electricity to your power company, and receive cheques instead of bills!

Electricity generated from the solar panels is stored in the cells for use after dark or on cloudy days. Apart from saving money on your electricity bills power generated from the sun doesn’t pollute the environment or add to the depletion of non renewable fossil fuels such as coal.

Solar panels don’t require an engineer to visit you on a regular basis as there are no mechanical parts to maintain. Your solar panels may need to be moved to get maximum sunlight as the seasons change. You should also give them a clean every couple of weeks to wash off any dirt that may have been left behind from the rainfall or bird droppings. If you fail to do this the solar panels won’t be able to work at peak performance. This is the only maintenance required and most people can manage to do this themselves.

Installing solar panels may increase the value of your property, so if you ever decide to move this will be a good advantage. Many people looking to buy a property will certainly like the fact that they can generate electricity for free!

Some people may feel that solar panels positioned on their roof will look unsightly and spoil the look of their home. However you can buy solar roof tiles which blend in with the other tiles on your roof. The only disadvantage to this is that you need a specialist to fit them.

If you like the idea of installing your own solar power system but feel it could be to expensive you could consider building your own. You could do this with very little expense involved, and you don’t need to be a diy expert. There are information products available online complete with step by step instructions and videos to guide you, and it’s possible to build your first very own solar panel in as little as 2 weekends.