With the current recession average consumers are taking a hard look at ways to control skyrocketing energy costs.  Government and private energy companies continue to make price increases on what has come to be an essential component of our living environment. Demand is increasing for energy alternatives and it's not just about being green - now it's about being able to keep the green. Having your own solar powered options will allow you to control your energy costs  and keep your household budget from bursting when traditional energy prices increase.

The good news for those who are interested in going solar is that yes, solar technology is becoming more affordable every day. The technology behind solar panels is becoming cheaper and installation is more cost effective due to products which combine solar panels with roofing materials. As more and more electricians become knowledgeable about installing solar options the price of the man-power needed to complete the installation drops as well.  With the added bonus of government incentives it becomes even more appealing to purchase solar energy panels and solar powered appliances for our homes.

According to the Utility Solar Assessment (USA) Study the costs for solar power vs. traditional power will level out in 2015. But there's more to solar power than affordability. Having control over your own energy system gives you the freedom to decide when and how you will reduce your energy consumption in a time of energy crisis. For example, last summer in California many people suffered rolling blackouts during the highest temperatures and highest energy consumption times. In some areas people were hospitalized for heat related issues and in one devastating case an elderly woman died. Now imagine the difference if many of those homes had utilized solar panels during those peak sunlight hours. Having solar power brings with it an understanding of how energy impacts our lives. It also gives us control. We become the self-sustaining energy enthusiasts.

But before cheaper technologies drop into the more affordable range, there are a few steps you can take now to limit the costs of installing solar panels. You can reduce overall energy consumption prior to installation by utilizing energy efficient lighting and appliances and by improving insulation around doors and windows. Plan out the maximum solar panel system you can realistically install by looking at southern facing roofs, tree cover, the ability to put in freestanding solar panels and how weather will impact sunlight absorption. Take that plan, compare it with your current energy consumption and then work backwards until you can come up with an upfront cost that feels comfortable to you.

Check to see if your local utilities have net metering. Net metering means that when your PV system generates more power than you need, the excess goes to the utility grid and the meter runs backward. Research state and federal tax incentives to see what costs can be offset in your area with deductions. Check for reductions in property taxes, as well as buy down incentives that cut down your initial purchase costs.

Becoming more aware of how energy impacts your life, and how energy costs can increase upon the whims of others will make you more aware of how solar technology isn't just for environmentalists anymore. Planning out solar options and taking advantage of price reductions and tax incentives will help average consumers regain control of how they utilize energy in their lives.

Written by Emma Santa