Do you want to know how much does solar power cost? With the economy being in a mess, and the cost of commercially available power sky rocketing, it’s enough to drive you crazy. Solar energy is one of the few things that are freely accessible right now to the mankind and it can be tapped to generate electricity and save $1000s of dollars in the long run on electric bills. No matter where you live in the world, there is a solar system for you at a price that you can afford.

Portable Solar Power Cost

Portable units can be taken for a camping or a similar outing. A small and compact version which would cost around $120 is good enough for charging a mobile phone or an I-pod. A slightly larger system that would cost up to $1000 will enable you to run a small television or a radio on your outings.

Solar Heated Pools

Do you know heating a swimming pool for summer would cost you as much as heating your home throughout the year! That’s a significant amount of money to be spent on power. With the advancement in technology a couple of pool options are available for pool owners. A solar pool cover is the simplest of the lot and can be used in sync with a solar pump. The price of these would set you back by anything within the range of $2000-$4000.

Solar Hot Water

A solar water heater works on the principle of pre-heating the water up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit before it passes onto your normal water heater thus reducing the amount of energy your heater uses. A typical solar water heater would cost approximately $4600.

Off Grid Solar Power

If you’ve got a cabin in the woods or you just had enough of paying those electric bills, you can choose an off grid solar power system. These systems function independently and are best suited for remote areas that have little to no utilities available. The solar power cost of these units starts at around $1500 and can be as high as $5000.

Grid Tied System

It’s preferred by maximum homeowners today. Using it you will stay connected to your local power company’s grid. It’s going to be benefiting you in two ways; firstly you will never stay without power in case there are prolonged periods of no or little sunlight. Secondly, your power company might purchase the extra energy that you would produce. Isn’t that great! Saving on electric bills and along the way getting checks from them!

If you are on a budget its pretty hard to purchase a solar power system, as these cost way too much. No need to despair, do you know you can make your own solar power system? Using raw materials that can be easily found at the local hardware or electrical store you can make the same ready made solar power system for yourself...for less than...drumroll please..... $200!

Just look around for a good DIY guide that will show the exact steps that you need to follow to make your own solar power system. Prefer to go with one that has videos included with it and free 24X7 online technical support.

Below you will find the basics in a step by step process to a pain free and cost effective Solar System Installation. From initial research to getting your first solar rebate check from your electric company the path is laid out here.

1. Determine your historical energy use from your past electric bills. Pay attention to the difference between Summer and Winter power usage.

2. Determine your roof area available for Photovoltaic Panels. These Solar Panels mounted on your roof or ground contain the Photovoltaic (PV) cells which convert sunlight into DC power. South facing surface areas are best but seasonal variations in sun exposure allow for a variety of Solar Panel placements to be used. Also, new technology allows for sun "tracking" or programmed mechanical moving of the solar panels to maximize sun exposure during the day and across all seasons of the year.

3. Contact a licensed and aproved Solar Installation Contractor(s) in your area to perform an on-site consultation. Your contractors will know all the current solar technologies available and how to take advantage of all possible Federal, State, and possibly local solar tax rebates, grants, etc.

4. The Solar Installation Contractor will determine best location for your Photovoltaic Panels and best Inverters to use for the size of the Solar System. Location of solar panels may vary as well as type of panels. Inverters (which convert the solar panel current from DC to usable AC current) need to be chosen based on best size and type for the system as does the Production Meter (explained below). The power from the Solar Panels are sent to an Inverter (or power converter) which converts the DC electricity from the solar modules to AC power, which is the same type of power being sent from your utility company to your home or business. 5. Discuss all costs for various solar electric system options and installation timing with your Solar Installation Contractor to finalize all variables. Once all is decided upon it is the time to sign the contract with your Solar Installation Contractor.

6. Your Solar Installation Contractor will submit applications to your electric utility and begin paperwork with all possible Federal, State, and possibly local tax rebates, grants, etc., to save you the maximum money possible.

7. You will then sign a contract with your electric utility. This is called a Net Metering Agreement and states that the power utility will credit your account for the excess power you produce which flows to the power grid. Also an important consideration is the use of a Meter Monitor. This will allow you to be given credit for power you generate at different rates. These rates can be Peak and Off Peak Rates. These rates are dependent on time of day you produce power, day of the week, and month of the year. Peak Rates are often summer afternoon week days. If you send power to the grid during peak times, you will get credit at the higher, peak rate. When you gain credit and then draw on your credit at Off Peak periods your account will be debited at Off Peak rates. If all of the electricity being generated by your solar energy system is immediately being used, your meter will not "spin backwards".

8. Your Solar Installation Contractor will generate design drawings and pull all permits needed and, when you are ready, will install your system. Once completely installed your County or City will inspect the system to insure compliance of your system and insure you are elligible for the Solar Tax Rebates and / or benefits you have applied for.

9. You Utility Company will be Sending you your Solar Rebate Check 6 to 8 Weeks after Inspection of System.

10. Enjoy decades of environmentally friendly and maintenance-free electricity solar power while adding value to your home! Give yourself a good pat on the back for saving money AND the planet.

Home solar power is often considered as the most effective means of reducing your electric bills. If you wish to benefit through solar power energy, you need to be well aware that a home solar option is readily available through online stores. If you are tired of unreasonable power cuts and wish to benefit through a regular supply of electricity, you need to take advantage through home solar options. Listed below are a few advantages of opting for solar power energy.

Home Solar Power Is Readily Available

Solar power energy is abundant in nature and it is also said to be a renewable source for power generation. Hence, when the need of the hour is to pick suitable home solar power systems, you need to research well and then apply your facts to good use. Home solar options can be had through the means of a secured site and while most may appear expensive, there are a few which are really inexpensive and long lasting as well. Home solar power systems are also considered essential to meet your energy requirements as they are promoted by the government agencies.

Solar Power Energy Can Be Harnessed Through Your Backyard

The second advantage of a home solar option is that it can be harnessed through your backyard. Home solar power systems work on the basis of assembled kits which can be obtained through the means of the World Wide Web. Solar power installations can be ordered online. They come in the form of a kit, which has an instructions manual as well. Simply follow the manual book and you can ensure that your solar power installations are in perfect order. Solar power kits have the ability to be used and built from home. Hence, they can be utilized by just about any human being-you need not be a technical viz to harness solar powered electricity from home.

Solar Power Cost Is Very Low

The third advantage of setting up a home solar power option is the saving in terms of electricity bills. Solar power cells, which are used in producing electricity, are affordable and long lasting. Once you have them installed in your roof, you can be rest assured that they would carry on for the rest of your life. You only cost is the initial purchase of the solar powered kits and the installation charges. Nowadays, there are solar power kits which are available for under a hundred dollars. Such options can be had through the means of a reputed online manufacturer only. Thereafter, the total cost of power generation is nil and you not only generate power for your home, you also never actually spend a dime while doing so.

Solar Thermal Power Is Pure

With the rise in air pollution and the reduction in the ozone layer, the chances are that your conventional sources of energy may prove to be a hindrance to the future generations. This is when solar thermal power comes into picture. Over here, not only are your electric bills reduced drastically, you also have a chance of keeping your environment neat and tidy. This is so as solar energy is a clean energy resource and it does not emit any harmful chemicals in the atmosphere. Hence, whenever solar energy is produced from home, it is considered a blessing in disguise for the environment.

Solar Power Cells Are Noiseless

As compared to the usual sources of energy, the solar power cells, which are generally used in a solar powered grid, are noiseless in nature. Hence, if you are using solar generated power for your household uses, you are indirectly saving your environment from excessive noise pollution. At the same time, the energy which is generated is never wasted and can be easily stored for future use.