The sun is not only a giver of life but also the provider to sustain it. Having residential solar power is a fad these days and many builders and developers are catching up on this idea and not to forget cashing on it too.

Out of the 14 known solar electric generating units operating in the US, 10 of these are in California and 4 in Arizona. No statistics are being collected on solar plants that produce less than 1 megawatt of electricity, so there may be smaller solar plants generating residential solar power in a number of other states. Solar power plants are mushrooming all over the country to provide residential solar power.

Renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies is the key to creating a clean energy future for not only the nation, but the entire world. Improving the fuel economy of vehicles and using alternative fuels help decrease our reliance on imported petroleum and reduces fuel pollution. Helping secure a clean energy future for the nation and the world isn't just about reducing energy usage or producing clean energy.

Electric utilities are trying photovoltaic, a process by which solar energy is converted directly to electricity for producing residential solar power. Electricity can be produced directly from solar energy using photovoltaic devices or indirectly from steam generators using solar thermal collectors to heat an operational solution.

The main aim of providing residential solar power is for cooking and lighting purposes. Refrigerator is a major power user in most households and using residential solar power brings it down.

Utility companies offer a bouquet of discounts and rebates on your residential solar power. When you draw energy from the sun, all of it may not be used or may be excess for your household. Such excess power can be sold to your utility company who will reimburse you for that energy. This way you not only save fuel or oil but also gain monetarily through solar power.

There is no fear of drawing excess power from the sun. This power can be stored in batteries and utilized for later use. Your utility power meter spins backwards and allows you to accrue credit with your utility company. This allows you to reduce your electric bill and drive it towards zero. Government has announced schemes for buying solar power from consumers. There is also tax reduction if solar energy is used in houses.

Though it may be expensive to install the solar panels for generating residential solar power, in the long run it helps you in curbing your bills. One of the residences who has installed residential solar power systems in California says" Whenever they produce extra power over and above their needs, they sell this surplus power to the utility grid at the market rate. During the evening, they buy the power back, at the same rate. According to state law, as long as we don't show a surplus in any month, we are paid the same rate as we are charged. If we have a surplus for the month, we are only paid for the surplus at the 'wholesale avoided rate," which of course is a small fraction of the market rate.

So next time you have excess residential solar power you know whom to call.