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