Whether you are interested in taking advantage of solar energy in your home or commercial property, it is important to be fully aware of what solar energy is and how it really works. While some people are interested in solar energy because it is an eco-friendly solution, there are many who are turning to this solution because it is a proven way to drastically cut down on your energy bills. No matter what your motivation is for using solar energy there are some things that you should know about this solution first so you can decide if it is truly the best option for you. The first thing anyone should know about solar energy is that although the first systems designed to utilize solar energy were rather costly, it is not more affordable than ever to get set up with a solar energy system. The price of solar panels has been decreasing significantly, and those who use solar energy for their home or commercial property are getting both a federal tax credit and a state rebate meaning extra savings as well. Many people do not realize just how much more affordable it really is to start using solar energy. This is all added to the fact that many who have solar panels installed will quickly find that these panels more than pay for themselves in terms of energy savings. Another thing to keep in mind is that the solar panels being used in properties today, are extremely advanced. This means that thanks to the design of the panels and the grids, the extra energy that is gathered and not used during the day can be harnessed and stored, meaning you can actually use your solar power after the sun has gone down. Before you decide to invest in solar power panels you will also want to make sure you take a look at your own personal situation. Typically, solar energy solutions are best for those that already use a great deal of energy as these are the ones that can enjoy the most savings. If you look at your electricity bill and find that you are using a lot of energy every month than this option is for you and can lead you to tremendous savings. You will also want to take a look at your roof. Typically the best types of roofs to add solar energy panels are roofs that are relatively new. You will also want to make sure that your roof is sturdy and in great shape. Finally you will want to take a look at make sure the roof area of your home is free from excessive shading. Typically a professional solar energy company will be able to come in and assess your home and make these assumptions for you, but they are good to investigate first on your own as well.