You can get the power you need day in and day out. Solar power is a renewable resource which means that you do not have to pay any bill or keep replacing parts to get the results that you need. The disadvantage in terms of availability is that you cannot access the energy if there is no sunlight. You cannot rely on solar power at night or in places that tend to be very cloudy for several months. Compared to oil, oil burning will release carbon dioxide plus other greenhouse gases into the air. The process of getting oil can also lead to damaged or compromised ecosystems because of spills and dredging. Cheap and Easy People do not have to keep maintaining solar cells, because a panel can last about 30 years or more if well kept. You should learn more about these systems to determine the best types that will provide you with the most benefits. You can choose to make your own or just purchase one from top manufacturers. The Stand Alone System There are small stand-alone electric systems that are very good at giving economical electricity. Active solar energy is defined as creating energy with the help of mechanical devices. Passive solar energy does not require the use of mechanical devices and provides you the advantage of getting energy nonstop and in a more cost-effective manner. Passive solar energy is further divided into different categories. Solar radiation, together with secondary solar-powered resources like biomass, wind, wave and hydroelectricity are accountable for majority of the available renewable energy on Earth. Only a small fraction of the available solar energy is utilized. Solar powered electrical generation depends on photovoltaics and heat engines. Solar energy is actually being used by over 300,000 pools in the U.S., and could dramatically lower your utility bill by a considerable amount. Solar Energy Net Metering Net metering is actually a means for people who use solar energy to power up their homes or work place to be able to sell back to the utility company whatever excess electricity that their home or work place is able to produce using solar energy technology, but is not able to use up.