There are a couple of types in this category - passive solar energy and active solar energy. Passive solar energy describes the harnessing of the energy of the sun without the need for mechanical devices. You can use windows that face south to give you natural light and additional heat for the home. There are many solar applications that a homeowner can rely on to get the most benefits out of passive solar energy like passive cooling, passive solar heating and daylighting. Since solar energy has become more common and more viable in the recent years, developers have begun to develop different solar energy systems that you can choose from, depending on your needs and limitations. Choosing a solar energy system that would fit best for your home is not necessarily an easy thing to do, which is why it is important that you learn how to choose the best one in order to get the right type of solar energy system for your home. It is important that you weigh the potential of having your own setup. You should consider the things you need to power, your location, budget, etc. Here are some more details about the energy. On Availability The good thing about solar energy is that it can be used anytime or as long as the sun exists. However, in order for us to be able to understand and properly predict what the future holds for solar energy, we need to first take a step back and look at what solar energy is right now. Solar Energy Today Right now, solar energy is being used for a number of reasons. It is being widely used for certain purposes, such as providing your home with an alternative source for energy and electricity, thereby allowing you to greatly reduce the cost of your energy and electric consumption by a considerable margin. The new solar panels were used first in space satellites. During the 1970s, more people saw the use of solar panels through the newly designed calculators that can run easily under light. At present solar panels and full solar panel systems are used to power different applications and structures. Aside from calculators, solar panels are now used to give power to homes, commercial buildings and other huge structures. Some panels are intended for individuals living in places that has minimal sun, while other designs are specifically made to gather the most sun over the shortest span of time. About Price Learn how to compare between types to know how much you need to pay for. The prices of the solar panels will vary depending on the brand and the size.