| Research is shedding new light on an | | | | |
| unexpected source of energy for heating homes | | | | Consumers can harness the power of the sun |
| and generating electricity-the sun. | | | | for themselves more easily than ever. Solar |
| | | | panels you see on buildings and homes have |
| The sun-directly or indirectly-is the primary | | | | been available on the market for decades. New |
| source for most forms of energy found on | | | | systems-which incorporate solar into roofing |
| Earth. Solar energy is clean, abundant and | | | | shingles-are now aesthetically pleasing, |
| renewable. | | | | efficient and durable. |
| | | | |
| Though we think of solar power as a new | | | | 2006 ushers in new tax credits for solar |
| discovery, ancient civilizations found | | | | energy technologies and consumers may also be |
| innovative ways to use solar energy. Among | | | | eligible for state rebates. |
| them, the Greeks, Romans and Chinese all | | | | |
| developed ways to use solar warmth for their | | | | For more information, consult with a tax |
| homes, including using southern exposures to | | | | professional, contact the Internal Revenue |
| maximize solar heating and making use of | | | | Service at or check out for the latest in |
| solar lighting. | | | | tax credit information. |
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| Now, thanks to innovative technologies, it's | | | | Sunlight isn't only used to generate |
| possible to capture this energy, concentrate | | | | electricity. It is also used to heat water, |
| it, store it and convert it into electricity. | | | | which can be used to warm homes and |
| | | | businesses. Solar-powered radiant heating |
| Sunlight is converted into electricity using | | | | systems run some industrial processes and |
| solar cells. Solar cells are also called | | | | drive turbines to generate electricity. Many |
| photovoltaic cells, or "PV cells" for short. | | | | solar thermal technologies have been used in |
| PV cells were first developed in the 1950s | | | | homes for decades and can last more than 20 |
| for use in American space satellites. Today, | | | | years. |
| they are used for power needs ranging from | | | | |
| telecommunications to rural electrification. | | | | Experts believe that solar energy |
| PV cells can be found on items we use daily, | | | | technologies can benefit this nation in many |
| such as calculators, flashlights, radios, | | | | ways. They have the potential to help |
| landscape lighting and children's toys. | | | | diversify this country's energy supply, |
| | | | reduce the dependence on imported fuels, |
| Portable PV units are also available for | | | | improve air quality, offset greenhouse gas |
| emergency and disaster use, such as keeping | | | | emissions and stimulate the economy by |
| cell phones and small appliances charged when | | | | helping to create jobs in the manufacturing |
| the user is away from the grid or during | | | | and installation of solar energy systems. |
| blackouts. | | | | |