Solar Energy: The Energy of the Future Abstract: Solar energy, once thought impossible to use as a consumer energy source, is constantly growing in its applications and affordability. Laboratories and government agencies are optimistic that solar energy will soon be economically feasible for nations around the world. Uses such as passive solar heating and cooling of homes and the use of photovoltaic (solar electric) cells to run "big energy" appliances are currently out of reach of the everyday consumer. Others, such as using photovoltaic cells to power laptops, lanterns and other items, are increasingly becoming a solid investment for the general public. Companies that produce such items reach their audiences through sites on the World Wide Web and through mail-order catalogs. Solar energy, once considered as futuristic and unattainable as the Moon, is quickly becoming a reality for nations whose fossil fuel supplies will soon be limited. disappear. Solar energy does not pollute and is a fuel source of virtually infinite abundance. It may be the only usable energy source for our fossil fuel-burning society. According to an article recently published on the World Wide Web by the US Department of Energy, residential appliances, most of which may be solar powered, consume 90% of all energy used in the residential sector. This means that if a household used photovoltaic (solar electric) panels exclusively to run their household appliances, such as a refrigerator, microwave, or used passive solar energy to heat water, they could reduce their annual purchases of energy and put a strain on fossil fuel supplies. an average of $1,750 per person. According to the same article, “for most of the United States, the electrical needs of a typical household could theoretically be met using solar energy shining on 30 square feet of roof space.” (US Facts) Going even further, if the United States were to rely solely on solar energy for its energy needs, it could power the entire country using solar energy covering an area as large as 2 or 3 counties in Nevada . To be effective, these systems would need to have an efficiency of only 10%, a rate already achieved in laboratories. In addition to keeping tabs on our current energy consumption, we need to think about population growth and the threat it will pose to our planet. dwindling resources.