Solar energy is typically classified in two ways, passive solar and active solar.
Both approaches produce solar energy, but very differently.
Passive solar is exactly what it sounds like. It does not involve panel systems or other moving mechanisms to produce solar energy. Instead, passive solar involves planning a structure in such a way as to capture the power of the sun with windows, tanks and so on. These systems can be used to heat homes, water and so on.
Active solar energy systems typically involve some form of solar panels. The panels are oriented to maximize exposure to the sun. Depending on the system, the panels will then either directly convert sunlight to electricity, which is then transformed from direct current electricity to alternate current electricity and stored in batteries or fed into the grid system of the local utility.
It’s the active solar energy for homes that we are interested in. Solar panel systems can be built cheaply and install by yourself with very little effort. A DIY solar panel systems kit available at the link above, can show you clearly every step of the way how to find the materials at the best prices, how to assemble them , install them on the roof and hook the whole thing up, whether you use batteries or if you tie into the house energy grid from the Utility. It’s well worth exploring this option as it can save you thousands of dollars by doing it yourself. As I have proven you do not need to be any kind of professional, and even not all that handy if you can just read and follow instructions from a manual and video.