Solar energy is a form of renewable energy that is taking a hold in the current issue of creating clean, efficient energy for everyone without the use of natural resources. This paper looks in depth at the realistic application of such methods to renewable energy on both the large scale city wide implementation and, conversely, the private sector for individual energy needs through separate systems built into homes. Another key topic covered in this paper will be the technical aspect behind the power conversion of solar energy to electricity along with the complications that ensue, as well as the expense of the panels and accompanying systems versus the gain economically, both short term and long.