The concept of solar panels is nothing new, but new technology is making the green transition easier than ever.

As America and the world continue to go green, solar energy is at the forefront of the movement.

But the idea of harnessing the power of that big orange ball seems nearly as old as the ball itself - dating back to 7th century B.C.!

In Erie, Pennsylvania, the word on the benefits of solar electric power is spreading fast.

Jim Gartner of Weber Electric Supply says sales are off to a relatively slow start. But as deregulation raises energy rates by 2011, he expects the panels to pay for themselves in due time, especially with the perks that come with converting.

Gartner says, “We've sold three of them so far since June, and with the Federal Government giving 30% checks back on the install and material and the state giving 35% back, we expect it to take off more.”

Jim and his crew have partnered with Church & Murdock Electric in Erie to give residents a look at just how much going green can save them - both by reducing their carbon footprint and reducing that monthly bill.

Bob Carr of Church & Murdock Electric says, “This is going to be a good thing, you know, they mentioned that this area might not be so good for the market but I think it's going to be fine for the market. Even though this area's not at full-power sunlight all the time, it still produces power.”

“Penelec, with the net metering will give you a check, per se', it'll take your bill down to zero, they'll never give you more than that credit,” Gartner says.

With the right setup, you can meet all of your electric needs using just the panels; from the 1.2 kilowatt system at Weber, to upwards of 400 kw systems in places like Los Angeles, but if you want to go that route, you'll have to take other variables into consideration too.

“Different systems take different amounts of work; there's engineering work that has to be done with the structural design, especially if you're mounting them on a roof, you've got your wind load that the structure needs to be designed for,” says Carr.

By now you're probably asking about cost, which varies as the designs and your needs do... but Gartner says a basic setup with materials and labor will run you about $10,000.