When the technological innovation of harvesting power from the sun began, it was done big scale with power plants. It was backed up by multi-million dollar corporations that generate the electrical energy. Because of ingenuity and the increased learning curve, humans have found a way to make the innovation available even to regular homes and families.

With greater media coverage of the global warming issue, which is noted to bring about an increase of atmospheric temperature by 1 degree each and every 20 to 25 years, more and more people today are recognizing the sustainability of power from the sun as an electric supply for the home and even as a means to power numerous mechanical functions outside the residence. In addition, the high and ever-increasing cost of electricity due to the dwindling fossil fuel reserve has made families rethink the value of solar in home.

A home sun-powered system performs by converting energy from the sun, also called solar energy, to direct current (DC). Most home methods work by way of photovoltaic system (PV). Other than the PV system, the solar dynamic (SD) conversion is also another means of generating power from the sun. Both fall under the direct method; on the contrary, an indirect method of converting light and/or heat from the sun is the concentrated solar power (CSP) that uses mirrors or lenses.

The PV system employed in houses is frequently viewed as shiny panels installed on the roof of homes. A number of solar panels join together to form an array. As described, one panel is capable of generating sufficient electricity to run an emergency telephone. The PV system knocks the electrons, acted on by light photons, to a higher energy state. The solar power is then channeled through weather-resistant cables to an inverter inside the house. Through the inverter, direct current is further converted into alternating current (AC). The excess electrical energy produced is stored in electric batteries to be employed through the night when no sun energy can be harvested. Another important component of a solar in home process is the so-called charge controller that prevents overcharging of the batteries, thus, damaging them.

Additional great news is that several states offer laws that further enable homeowners to conserve more on their electric bill if they have an alternative power system installed. For instance, a law on net metering demands electrical companies to buy the excess electricity being generated by houses. Others are the several federal subsidies and incentives given such as tax breaks and makes solar home cost really affordable.