Home solar power systems are becoming an increasingly popular way for the average person to help clean up the environment on a “micro-level.” While the installation of solar panels on one home may not seem like much in the grand scheme of things, imagine what a difference it would make to global pollution levels, if even one out of fifty home-owners installed solar power systems to replace or reduce their dependence on the power grids. And, while solar power installation does often require an initial investment, it can pay off financially in the long run. New laws on net metering, tax credits, and other government incentives, help to make this possible.

Many people have been able to install solar power systems in their homes by setting up the systems themselves on a DIY (do-it-yourself) basis. DIY solar power kits and manuals exist which allow you to set up a solar power system for a fraction of the usual cost.

There are numerous ways to utilize solar power for the home – from solar panels, to solar shingles, to solar water heaters, solar garden lights, and even solar pool heaters. In many cases, using solar energy for these purposes is not only kinder on the environment, but more convenient as well. Outdoor solar lights, for example, don't require any cables. This makes a big difference when you consider that running cables outdoors involves digging channels underground, setting up proper installation, etc.

Portable solar power is also becoming increasingly popular as our society begins to depend upon and utilize electronics for just about everything. Twenty years ago you would be happy to take a regular film camera with you on a hiking trip in the mountains. But these days, most of us would prefer to take our digital cameras. That means new solutions have to be developed to make it possible for us to power these devices.

Portable solar chargers can take many forms - they may be flexible that you can roll up and carry with you on your backpack. Some solar chargers are foldable. Some solar panels can be carried in your car or installed on the roof of an RV (Recreational Vehicle). They give one a form of alternative energy that will work anywhere where there is sun. A solar battery charger allows you to charge batteries during the day, and then use them to power your equipment, during the night.

Some solar chargers are strong enough to power your laptop or notebook, while others work for smaller devices such as cellular phones, cameras, iPods, MP-3 players, flashlights, radios, palm computers, etc. In order to ensure you get the correct charger to run your equipment, you will need to get a charger with the correct wattage (electrical supply). Please see Watts? How Many Watts Does My Device Need to Supply? for more information on this. You can also see our Solar Charger Guide for help selecting the correct equipment.

Solar battery chargers and portable solar panels have become a solution for hikers, campers, photographers, emergency workers, mountaineers, backpackers, bicyclers, horse-back riders, and anyone who will be away from the power outlets when they need to run or charge their electronic devices. Portable solar power devices can run or charge laptops, cameras, cell phones, batteries, lights, MP3 players, GPS devices, and other electronic equipment.

Solar chargers also form a vital part of any home or car emergency survival kit. Emergency solar power might help save a life, in case of accident, injury, natural catastrophe, or any other emergency where you could be cut off from the power grids but have a need for electricity. It can be used in wilderness survival kits, emergency kits, and even natural disaster survival kits.

Solar-powered devices are also, of course, eco-friendly. They create electricity with what is known as "green energy," or "clean energy." In other words, electricity which is produced without harm being done to the environment.