More than ever, people are realizing the advantages of solar power. Some like the idea of reducing their carbon footprint, others take pride in using a renewable green energy source. But perhaps one of the most popular reasons for converting to solar power is a significant reduction in electric bills.

Through proper planning, it is possible to reduce - and often times eliminate - a residential power bill. If you're considering adding solar power to your home, or even if you're looking for simple ways to lower your utility costs, here are the most common ways to take advantage of solar power for financial savings:

1) Conserve Your Energy Use. Granted this is a general guideline that isn't specific to solar, but cutting your energy use to essential needs means you'll need less. The smaller your needs, the more impact a green system - like a solar panel array - will have.

2) Put Your Panels Where They Will Receive The Most Sun. The more sun rays that strike your panels, the more energy they'll create. It's important to do your homework at this step, as 15 extra minutes in direct sunlight can make the difference between running "off the grid" and still paying the power company.

3) Build A Large Capacity Energy Storage System. I like to think of storage capacity like rollover minutes for a cellular phone plan: you can save what you don't use for later. Obviously the sun won't be beating down on your panels for 24 hours per day, to ensure you're still using green energy after nightfall (or overcast skies) you'll need to save what you don't use throughout the day. The more storage capacity, the better.

4) Build Your Own Solar Panels. The days of ultra-expensive price tags are long gone, so long as you're willing to do a little handy work yourself. Thanks to several DIY solar power guides available on the Internet and in popular bookstores, this is easier and cheaper than ever. Many of these guides include plans to make your own solar panels for about $200 each, which is much cheaper than commercially-built ones, which can cost $1,000s.

Click here to learn how to make solar panels.
Dan Johnson encourages every body to build their own solar panels, thus lowering their power bills and saving the environment at the same time. His blog, Make-Your-Own-Solar- includes time and money saving tips, suggestions and guides for beginners and pros alike. Through his homemade solar panels, he has nearly eradicated his power bill.