Imagine during these times of expensive oil, dirty coal, problematic nuclear waste, electricity grid instability, terror-possibility, and global warming, being completely energy self-sufficient and contributing only to the solution not the problem.

It is easier than ever. Photovoltaic Energy systems have made huge advances in the past decade. The panels come in a wide variety of space age looking colored panels to thin rubber mats, to tile roof-matching styles.

You used to only be able to store the solar collected energy in batteries (off-grid), or attach it to your electricity grid, having your meter actually run backwards (on-grid). Now you can do both.

State-of-the-art systems utilize a computer that makes intelligent decisions on the best way to use, buy and sell energy for the home. It also protects the home from power outages with storage capabilities and informs the owner on how much solar versus utility generated energy is being used, as well as indicating the home’s peak periods of usage.

To educate yourself on Solar technologies and find a dealer near you, visit the American Solar Energy Society.