| With the renewed interest in alternative power | | | | resources, because as long as the sun exists, there |
| sources, solar power is becoming more popular. So, | | | | will be solar energy to harness and use. No resources |
| what are the figures on its use? | | | | on Earth are consumed to create solar power, so |
| Solar energy is one of the fastest growing forms of | | | | there is nothing that can be used up. Today, more |
| eco-friendly energy in the world today. Along with | | | | and more countries are looking to solar power to fill |
| wind power and hydropower, solar power is a | | | | their energy and electricity needs - with some |
| "green" form of renewable energy that is helping to | | | | countries like Japan having had a growth rate of 63 |
| make the Earth less dependent on fossil fuels and | | | | percent for solar energy usage in the past five years. |
| other forms of polluting energy. Solar energy is | | | | The use of solar panels to obtain electricity and heat |
| cheaper than many other types of energy, as well as | | | | is growing, but it is still extremely small when |
| being better for the environment, but sadly, only a | | | | compared to other types of energy. It is estimated |
| small numbers of people using solar panels are in the | | | | that only .1 percent of the United States' electricity |
| United States at this time. | | | | and power come from solar panels and solar energy, |
| Solar power is the process of using the sun's rays to | | | | which is hardly enough to make a difference in the |
| produce energy. This energy (electricity) is created | | | | amount of fossil fuels used. In fact, the most |
| by solar panels, which are a collection of solar cells | | | | destructive form of energy production, the burning |
| that are formed into a sheet. The solar cells absorb | | | | of coal, actually accounts for the largest percentage |
| the sunlight, and through this process, the | | | | of energy in the US: 52percent. Not only is coal a |
| electromagnetic radiation from the sun is converted | | | | major pollutant, it is non-renewable and destructive |
| into energy that is usable by homes and other | | | | to the land it must be mined from. |
| buildings. Solar power can be used as a means of | | | | Whether you choose to be among the people using |
| electric power, or it can be used to heat a home. | | | | solar panels to obtain their energy, or the many |
| The amount of power coming off of the sun each | | | | others who are seeking wind and other alternative |
| day is intense - there is enough electromagnetic | | | | means for their energy, you will be helping the |
| energy produced every 24 hours to power the entire | | | | environment. Your contribution to a cleaner world will |
| world for 27 years. | | | | be felt now as well as far into the future. |
| Solar power is also the ultimate in renewable | | | | |