It's no secret that energy prices are rising. The economy is facing a difficult time. When energy prices go up, the price of everything else goes up. It costs more to manufacture and transport goods. It costs more to get to the store to buy those goods. It costs more to power the home in which you use those goods.

We have been dependent on fossil fuels for a very long time. The industrial revolution brought about an era of over-consumption of non-renewable resources. It has been evident for a long time that these fossil fuels will run out at some point. However, it wasn't until recently that governments and the population at large began to take that fact seriously.

Now that we have realized the need for alternative energy sources, people have sprung into action. There once were few resources for someone who wanted to reduce their electricity use. Now there are companies who do nothing but produce and install solar power systems. There have been many solar how to books published to help people construct their own solar power systems.

With this awakening of the alternative energy movement, more options are available to us. In fact, new options open up every year. Innovators in the field are figuring out new ways to collect solar energy. Did you think that rooftop solar panels were the only way to gather solar power for your home? Think again. These are a few of the ways that solar power is advancing:

*Solar shingles. These amazing shingles look like conventional roof shingles from a distance. They are much more attractive than large rooftop panels. They do cost more than conventional panels, but for many homeowners the price is worth it. Rooftop panels are unwelcome in some neighborhoods, and these shingles are a great way to get around that problem but still utilize solar power.

*Solar carports and garages. If your home does not have a south-facing roof section, it can be very difficult to use rooftop collection methods. It's now possible to buy manufactured carports and garages with solar collection panels built into their tops. The benefit of these structures is that they can be placed where you want them. You can put them in the most beneficial location to soak up the sun's power.

*Solar windows. Technology is being developed right now that will turn windows into solar power generators. These windows could be a huge benefit to homes and commercial buildings. Until these windows are ready for manufacture, south-facing windows can still be used for passive solar collection. When the sun is allowed to hit them for as long as possible each day, it can help to raise the temperature of the home. It won't make a huge difference on your heating bill, but it's a small step that almost any household can take.

*Solar-powered city lights. Did you know that some street lights, lighted signs and stop lights are currently using solar power? This is a tremendous step forward for solar power. When various governments have considered using solar, how to implement the collection has been a stumbling block. New, smaller and more durable collection panels have allowed this dream to become a reality.

*Space-based solar energy collection. This has little impact on the home solar user now, but it may become more important in the future. Several government agencies around the world are considering the possibility of beaming solar power to Earth from orbiting satellites. This method is not currently used because associated costs are too high. However, future technological advances may change that.

What do all of these advances mean for you? If you are a homeowner, considering making the switch to solar; how you utilize the sun's power depends on this technology. Current and future advances in the field of solar energy will allow you to use this energy more effectively. You will end up paying less and getting more power from your solar energy system.