The use of solar power in the home is becoming an attractive proposition for a growing number of people. Once thought of as an idea only found in science fiction, solar power is now becoming a very real prospect. Many people use solar power by harnessing the sun's energy to heat their homes and to run different appliances. It is an economical and earth-friendly way to bring power into the home.

There are a number of ways you can use solar power in the home. Some homes in California run basically from solar power. The utility bills for these zero-energy homes have cut power consumption by 50 to 70%.

Once implemented in the home, solar power can be used to heat the home. You can also use solar power to generate hot water. When you use solar power in the home, you not only lower utility bills, but also add value to your home when you come to sell it.

The most basic technology used in solar power is the solar electric panel. These panels use photons in order to generate electricity. These photovoltaic (PV) panels can be free standing rigid sheets used to harness the sun's energy. They can also be set into the roof, or you can get peel and stick laminates, depending on your roof type.

The sun's energy is converted to electricity through a modified grid system. This system is no different to the usual grid system found in the home, except that it also converts solar energy. The system also has a meter installed that reads how much solar power the home has used compared to normal electricity. The meter subtracts the solar energy electricity, and the amount left is the figure applied to the utility bill.

When you use solar power in the home, it is also capable of storing energy. If there is a surplus of energy, it can be used at a later time to heat rooms and generate hot water. You can also use solar power to light your home to heat an indoor or outdoor Jacuzzi.

Cutting costs is the main reason people use solar power in their homes. The use of solar power is thought to pay for the installation cost in about 12 years. By the year 2020, the Department of Energy hopes that it will become commonplace to use solar power in the home. They hope to see normal energy consumption cut by about 70% in that timescale.