Many of these problems are ascribed to the effects of excessive use of (dwindling!) fossil fuels. The most serious warning is probably the fat that the world may soon reach a point of no return in terms of global warming, regardless of the efforts we might still make to curb it.

This is leading many individuals and households to consider what particular contribution they could make as part of the worldwide global warming solutions being attempted.

One of the most immediate solutions that is growing in popularity because of the ease with which it can be implemented, and also because of the real effect this has on the environment, is to make a solar panel yourself as part of a solar power generator at home.

There are a number of types of solar panels to look at. The first of these is sometimes called the flat plate collector. This system uses plates exposed to the sun which contain sealed liquid-filled pipes. The liquid heats up and circulates via the pipes through the household water tank, which heats up the water. The effectiveness of this system depends to a great extent on the amount of thermal loss of the pipes while circulating the heated liquid towards the water tank.

Another solar panel system works on the same basis as the flat plate collector above, with the main difference being that the heat collector pipes are vacuum sealed. This minimizes heat loss to a great extent, even during cold weather.

This system also uses round collectors which have better exposure to sunlight during the course of the day.

The third - and most popular and effective - system using solar heating panels is the solar photovoltaic panel system, which works on the basis of silicone cells converting sunlight - or just daylight if the sun is obscured - into electricity.

Of course building your own photovoltaic panels does take a little effort, and many a concerned citizen may think it takes specialized skills, but the fact is that those who put shoulder to the wheel, usually get it done.

Thanks to excellent step-by-step guides it is now within the reach of just about anyone who wants to do their bit for the environment - and save thousands of dollars in the process!

It is a fact that homemade solar cells and panels can cost less than a couple of hundred dollars, and the whole system will cost much less by far than a conventional solar installation.

If done properly and according to professional guides, building your own solar panel power system could bring down your household energy bill by up to 80% in some cases!

A recent report highlighted a particular global warming effect that has been observed now for about a decade. Due to overall higher temperatures, the forest beetles in the cold spruce forest regions have seriously multiplied and spread, destroying millions of acres of forest.

If this trend were to accelerate unhindered, the consequences could be catastrophic.

This is not to say that to make a solar panel for your home energy needs will turn this devastating process around and save the world, but it may be a realistic part of the global warming solutions the world is currently urgently in need of.

And don't forget: to make a solar panel yourself will also save your household a bundle in direct energy costs!