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