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The next trend in energy conservation is solar powered technology. Dwindling natural resources like oil has led to innovations in green energy. Let’s face it oil prices continue to rise to meet global demand, this trend will not end anytime soon.

Solar energy cells and panels work by absorbing the Sun’s energy. Silicon is mounted behind non reflective glass to produce photovoltaic (PV) panels that collect photons from the Sun and convert them into DC electrical power that flows into an inverter, the energy is then transformed into AC electrical power. This is a simplified explanation of how solar energy conversion works.

Photovoltaics (BIPV) have been used since the 1980's but only recently have they been used in large scale commercial and residential projects. United Solar is one such manufacturer of flexible thin film photovoltaic materials, this makes it able to integrate into the roofs and buildings of contemporary buildings. The future of solar technology lies in the integration with existing construction companies.

Concentrated Photovoltaic Solar Installations are projected to boom in the next few years. Spending on equipment for solar panels is expected to increase 30% to $3 billion in 2014, according to research firm IHS in Europe and the U.S.

The Middle East has become the hotspot for solar powered technology, Saudi Arabia intends to spend $100 billion to obtain a third of its future electricity from renewable sources by 2032.

Green thinking millionaires and billionaires are now incorporating solar powered technology into their homes. Today’s mansions and estates can be aesthetically beautiful and environmentally friendly. The expensive cost of the initial installation of solar panels will more than pay for itself  in less than 10 years. Once solar panels are installed they produce no greenhouse emissions. Current solar plans have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years, the next trend is recyclable solar panels composed of aluminum, glass and silicon in a photovoltaic solar panel.

With all the technical jargon covered, which houses in the world provide the best solar powered domicile? Check out the list, who knows, maybe solar powered living is something you would like to look into.

10. Kekaha, Hawaii: $1.25 Million

This beautiful home is 2,492 square feet and has three bedrooms, three bathrooms and 1-1/2 baths. This home is completely solar powered, in beautiful sunny Hawaii, which is the perfect place for an eco powered home. There are multiple windows to let in natural sunlight and a nice walkway to the front door.

9. Luxury Orsos Island: $4.5 Million

Your own floatable private island home, a hybrid combination of luxury real estate and a luxury yacht. The dimensions for the island home is 20 meters wide (65 ft.) and more than 37 metres (121 ft.) and can accommodate up to 12 guests. The Orsos Island is completely sustainable and includes an autonomous power supply for your private island real estate.

The island takes thermal heat from the sea water to power the heating and air conditioning. Excess energy is stored in batteries. This luxury real estate green energy home even recycles drinking water for the safe disposal of waste water.

8. Longbow Place - Larkspur, CO: $4.5 Million

This 9,500 square foot log cabin inspired home is located in Colorado. The rustic appearance of this home include solar thermal panels, solar electric panels and wrap around insulation.

The luxurious features of this home include a pizza oven, floor to ceiling gas fireplace, outside kitchen and a master suite with a coffee bar and steam shower. Living an Eco friendly lifestyle does not mean you have to be stingy on creature comforts.

7. Tiburon, California Ranch House: $5.8 Million

This ranch home built in 2002 utilizes eco friendly materials in its construction. The initial cost of eco friendly materials are expensive but homeowners will quickly recoup the cost over the years with energy savings. The better a structure keeps out wind and rain the "tighter the envelope" in the vernacular of the construction trade.

6. 109 Flyway Drive Kiawah Island, SC: $11 Million

This French manor home modeled after Versailles with a Corinthian stone exterior encompasses 25,000 square feet of living space situated on 4.5 flat, gated acres. The perfect home to entertain large scale dinner parties. One of the most stunning features of this property is the indoor pool with a twenty four foot waterfall located inside the main living area. This stone mansion is powered almost exclusively by solar power and geothermal energy.

5. 1525 Blue Jay Way, Southern California: $12.95 Million

Designed by Lori Dennis the principal designer of the Lori Dennis, Inc interior architectural firm. Lori Dennis is graudate of UCLA and the celebrity and star of HGTV's The Real Designing Women. Lori specializes in sustainable, green and high end luxury design homes.

Building green has never been so sexy and stylish, environmental inspired designs are not nerdy looking properties that people do not want to purchase. The seamless incorporation of solar panels on rooftops to geothermal heating for floors proves it is fun to live consciously.

4. Acqua Liana - Manalapan Beach, FL: $15 Million

The well-known artist Frank McKinney had this $15 million dollar 15,000 square foot home built in Florida. The Acqua Liana has the reputation as one of the most luxurious eco mansions. This home has a polynesian feel inspired by trips to Bali, Fiji, Tahiti and Hawaii. For the price of $15 million you get a seven bedroom, 11 bath mansion with a waterfall spa, sun terraces and an arched aquarium wet bar.

The solar panels cover a basketball court generating enough energy for two or three average sized homes. A water retrieval system collects water run off to fill an average swimming pool every two weeks. The energy efficient lighting reduces electricity consumption by a whooping 70 percent. This eco real estate property is truly a marvel.

3. Stone Mansion - Saddle River, NJ: $ 19 Million

This French manor $19 million dollar stone mansion has 25,000 square feet of living space on 4.5 gated acres. The luxury home has more than enough room for parties with banquet sized public rooms. The home comes complete with a four car garage and a regulation sized tennis court with lights.

The most stunning feature of this home is the indoor swimming pool located in the main living room area.

The French inspired Versailles mansion is powered almost exclusively by solar power and geothermic energy.

2. Villa Belvedere – San Francisco, CA: $45 Million

Building green has never been so sexy and stylish, environmental inspired designs are not nerdy looking properties that people do not want to purchase. The seamless incorporation of solar panels on rooftops to geothermal heating for floors proves it is fun to live consciously.

San Francisco has some of the most expensive real estate in the U.S.A., the Villa Belvedere is no exception, located in one of the most expensive residences at a price of $45 million with a multi million dollar view of San Francisco Bay.

This waterfront solar powered house is 15,500 square feet, has six bedrooms and an astounding nine bathrooms. Wrap around decks and a 50 foot gallery for entertaining with 10 foot floor to ceiling windows, this is the ultimate pad to throw parties for visiting dignitaries.

Non toxic paint and materials were used in the construction of this home. Integrated technology can be remotely accessed using your cell phone or notebook computer.

1. Villa -  Mallorca, Spain: $77 Million

Majorca or Mallorca is a major tourist attraction, located in the Mediterranean Sea, it is the largest island in the Balearic Islands archipelago. This stunning 6,450 square foot home has five bedrooms, five full bathrooms and one half bath. A $7.7 million villa in Mallorca, Spain, it is powered by solar plates.

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