I want to know how I can establish my area’s (Rochester NY) yearly solar energy output to see if it would make economic sense to install solar panels. Any websites or resources where I can look?

“Keep your face to the sunshine…” — Helen Keller

No matter where you look, alternative energy is the theme du jour. Driven by the economics of record-high crude oil, the spotlight is shifting to non-traditional renewable energy sources, particularly solar power.

But while solar stocks were some of the largest gainers for much of last year, recently the solar power industry has taken huge hits – with several key leaders such as First Solar (FLSR) SunPower (SPWR) and Evergreen Solar (ESLR) down as much as 50% off their 52 week highs.

To find out what’s going on with solar energy and the other renewable energy sources, we recently surveyed 182 respondents working directly in the alternative energy industry.

Solar Leads – Solar energy continues to show the most momentum of all alternative energy segments, according to industry respondents. Not only has it shown strong gains since our previous survey in February 2007, but it also leads in each of the following areas:

* Most Swift Economic Growth – Past 12 Months: When questioned which alternative energy sector has experienced the fastest growth over the past year, solar energy (49%) topped the list – up a whopping 14-pts since our previous survey in February. In comparison, Biomass – including biofuels and bio-products – came in at 41%.

* Most Swift Economic Growth – Next 12-24 Months: Going forward, respondents see solar energy (58%; up 20-pts) as experiencing the most swift growth in the industry for the next one-to-two years.

* Most Momentum – Next 5 Years: Over the long term, solar energy also retains its strength, as 31% of respondents (up 5-pts) say it will be the top sector for the next half decade.

In sum, solar energy leads all of the other major alternative energy categories in terms of swift economic growth. Solar energy is also seen as experiencing the largest technology breakthroughs (27%; up 2-pts). But perhaps most importantly, solar cells are expected to be reasonably priced enough to achieve a competitive return on investment within seven years (by 2015).

“Demand for solar cells is unquestionably robust, the price of oil is trending privileged, and solar tax credits will likely be total,” according to ChangeWave Analyst Josh Levine. The forces are all lining up exceptionally well for the solar industry. It’s the right time for investors to be exposed to the sun and invest in solar stocks.”

According to solar industry experts, the sector’s growth is being propelled forward by global photovoltaics manufacturers like First Solar (FSLR), SunPower Corp. (SPWR) and SunTech Power Holdings (STP) – companies that have developed superior business models and excelled in project management.

Levine adds that the next huge challenge for the solar industry is the scaling of manufacture facilities for mass manufacture at the gigawatt level. “The next generation of leaders will be persons companies that are best equipped to leverage the latest innovations in equipment research through manufacturing know-how,” he said.

Clearly, solar energy has the momentum in our latest ChangeWave survey. We’ll continue tracking solar energy and other non-traditional energy sources in the alternative energy industry for new opportunities in 2008.

As you’re looking for more efficient ways to power your house, consider building your own home solar panel. This article will tell you why.

The Benefits Of Solar Energy

Renewable energy is one of the hottest topics around the world, given today’s global energy crisis, and the use of solar energy has been in the forefront. Installing a Home Solar Panel is a fantastic way to save energy and reduce your cost of living.

You might be bowled over to find out just what a home solar panel can do for you. Let’s examine some of these.

1. Drastically Reduce Your Energy Bills With A Home Solar Panel

Home Solar Panels can drastically cut your monthly energy bills. And in an economic recession like we’re in, even a few pennies saved are very vital. Presume if you could watch your TV, surf the internet, and drink a glass of cold beer from your refrigerator without paying your power company ? all because you have your own home solar panel installed! You can use solar energy in the time of year (and the time of day) when energy use is at its highest – and watch the savings add up!

2. Protect The Environment Using A Home Solar Panel

Until now, most people have been using oil as their primary energy source. This, of course, is not friendly to the environment. A home solar panel, on the other hand, is very eco-friendly. It uses the sun itself for “fuel”, and since the sun is never in small supply, and does not give off any harmful emissions, it is in reality the ideal energy source.

Why Install It yourself?

So you’ve chose to get a home solar panel – but now you face another question: Do you install it yourself or hire a professional? While a professional installation is always a possibility, you can save even more money if you take the time to build and install a home solar panel yourself.

Remember these vital points:

1. A Professional Home Solar Panel Installation Is Expensive

Why pay $3000 when you can build your own home solar panel for only $200? Engaging a professional technician really can be that expensive. It can increase your monthly expenditure, since home solar panel installers are typically paid as much as three grand! On the other hand, you pay only a couple hundred dollars as a replacement for of thousands if you invest a small bit of time to learn how to install the home solar panel yourself.

2. It Is Simple To Do It Yourself

Installing a home solar panel is not as hard as many people thought. All you need to do is browse through the internet to search for help. There are numerous low-priced but very high quality guides unfilled online. Then, head down to your local hardware store to buy the necessary equipment.

While there, question the store staff if anyone there has experience installing a home solar panel. If so, they might be keen to share some tips for free. Once you have the equipment at your home, by following the handbook or manual, you’ll find that the process will take only a few hours to complete.

Give it a shot. And watch how simple it is to help your bank account and the environment simply by building and installing your own Home Solar Panel.