Closer to home, the Public Utilities Commission in California approved a plan in January 2006 to stimulate the fitting of 3000 megawatts of solar power generation capacity on about a million California rooftops. It did this with the introduction of a decade-long plan of property holder rebates for fitting and using solar electric panels. Rebates are at a maximum in the early years of the plan ? in other words, now, since it's structured to wean the solar industry off subsidies.

Superior efficiency, lower prices for solar gear, and tax and rebate incentives from government and utility companies have also caused Long Islanders to look to lower their energy costs with solar power. Over the last two years, demand has skyrocketed for these systems. Another indication that the prices are going down and demand is rising is the lower rebate offered by the power authority.

Also called photovoltaic cells, solar cells were hastily developed to provide electrical energy for space missions. There are three types of solar cell: polycrystalline, monocrystaline and thin film. Less than a volt of electricity is produced from each cell, so a single cell is not of much practical use. Several cells have to be connected to produce a useable voltage.

There are companies, such as GreenFire ForceFive (with headquarters in Punta Gorda, Florida) that manufacture and sell solar powered homes. Every GreenFire home comes completely outfitted with a 100% self-contained hybrid electric power system installed. This system uses photovoltaic panels to power 85% to 100% of the daily home electric needs, backed up by a 25,000W whole house diesel generator running on bio-diesel fuel.

Companies are now coming up with improved models, such as dye-sensitized solar cells, developed by Aisin Seiki and Toyota Central R&D Labs Inc. Since these cells are made of inexpensive material and do not involve complicated equipment for manufacture, they are roughly 60% cheaper to create than conventional silicon-based products. Besides being less expensive, DSC's can produce electricity even in feeble sunlight.

Convenient, beautiful, environmentally conscious ? do you want a solar home at a fair price? You can guarantee your family's comfort by making your house less reliant on conventional energy sources. A new or modular home using passive solar design can save more than 90% on your heating and cooling bills.

Some forecasters identify solar power as a cost cutting solution, as energy costs keep on rising. Check out the Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy, a complete online supply of information on state, local, utility and special national incentives that promote renewable energy. Click on the underlined to read more about solar powered homes.

Adam O'Connor is the owner of www.sunpowerpro.com, which provides excellent free information on solar powered homes. Adam O'Connor is an expert in his industry and his website helps people with modular homes implement passive solar design.