There’s been much hype around solar panels over the last few years, with governments offering initiatives for residents to install them on their properties, and businesses pushing towards making better use of sustainable resources for their energy needs. But are they worth the investment? Here, we take a look at the pros and cons of solar energy, so you can decide if it’s the right step for you as an eco-conscious family.

The sun is an amazing thing. It means we can see during the day, it can keep us warm, it helps plants grow and even impacts our weather and the seasons. But did you know that the sun can be used to power things like your games console, computer and tablet? This is through a process which involves capturing the sun's energy (using solar panels) and converting it into electricity. We explore exactly how solar panels can be used to harness the sun's power. We will also cover how that power can then be used in our everyday lives and why it is so much better for the environment than traditional methods of energy production.