Cheap Solar Power Is Now available To Everyone

And what's more, you can even get free solar panels set up by professionals. Now that's what I call cheap solar power. But more on that later.

Let's face it, it isn't cheap to have a solar power system installed. And although rebates are available in most countries, it can still add up to more than most people can afford.

However, rapidly rising oil prices have led to such a demand for solar energy that the industry could operate itself without subsidies in just a few years, according to industry leaders.

But costs are falling dramatically as PV production escalates as electricity prices rise rapidly year on year in line with soaring oil and gas prices.

The feed-in tariff pays people with solar panels above-market rates for selling power back to the grid. Governments around the world might well take notice of the German approach.

With high oil prices have boosting demand even more. The market will probably expand another 40% this year, according to the solar industry association.

Previous predictions that grid parity would be reached in 5-7 years, now look very conservative since. Predictions allowed for only a 3% rise in electricity prices each year. In many countries increases of 20% a year are becoming the norm.

The China-based Suntech, the world's biggest maker of PV panels, plans to double production this year.

And the great thing about solar energy is that although you have an upfront cost, the fuel is free and is not controlled by another country.

PV costs are falling rapidly and will continue to do so as the efficiency of solar panels improve and installation costs drop. Moreover, the price of silicon - which can be 70% of panel costs - is also likely to fall as new production technology becomes available.

Now Is The Time

After you have paid for the initial cost of a solar energy installation, there are no other costs to consider. All the energy you then receive is free as no one can charge you for the energy from the sun.

And if where you live, they have a feed-in tariff (FIT) you will even be able to sell excess energy you produce back to the utility companies. So you will actually be making a profit.

This has come about because the utility companies have been forced by the government to reward households and businesses installing electricity generating solar energy. Put another way the energy suppliers pay you for every unit of electricity you produce via cheap solar power.

The feed in tariff is so profitable that many solar energy companies are now offering free solar panels in return for your feed in payments.

They still own the solar energy panels and they take all the money generated by selling the electricity back into the grid. But you get free electricity for your home. Now that's whay I call cheap solar power.

Many solar energy grants are available as well. These can dramatically reduce the costs of your initial outlay. You will need to have your solar energy system installed by a professional to qualify for a grant.

And if you know a bit of DIY, there are ways to install your own cheap diy solar power.

Solar energy is environmental friendly. Like wind, biomass and biofuel, solar energy is a renewable, clean and sustainable and helps in protecting the environment.

Since it only uses the power of the sun, it doesn’t release harmful greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide or nitrogen oxide. Solar energy generates electricity that is clean, green and free! In using the sun's power, we can reduce the amount of Greenhouse Gases emitted through electricity generation.

Solar power is maintenance-free, long-lasting and once they are installed, there are no additional costs.

Solar energy installations can add around 10% to the value of your house, by making your home more energy efficient and cheaper to run.

So if you can take advantage of the many rebates and grants, cheap solar power is readily available.