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Research is shedding new light on surprise source of power for heating homes and generating electricity-the sun.

The sun-directly or indirectly-is the primary source for some kinds of energy available on Earth. Solar energy is plentiful, clean and renewable.

Innovative ways were found by ancient civilizations to use solar energy, as a new discovery though we consider solar power. Included in this, the Greeks, Romans and Chinese all developed ways to use solar heat for his or her houses, including using southern exposures to increase solar heating and making use of solar lighting.

Now, thanks to innovative technologies, it's possible to concentrate it, capture this energy, store it and convert it into electricity.

Sunlight is changed into electricity using solar cells. Solar cells will also be called solar cells, or "PV cells" for short. PV cells were first produced in the 1950s for use in American space satellites. Today, they're used for energy needs including telecommunications to rural electrification. PV cells are available on products we use daily, such as for example calculators, flashlights, receivers, landscape light and children's games.

Portable PV units are also readily available for disaster and crisis use, such as maintaining cellular phones and small appliances charged once the user is far from the grid or throughout blackouts.

Consumers could utilize the energy of sunlight for themselves more easily than ever. Solar power panels you see on houses and homes have now been available on the market for decades. New systems-which include solar into roofing shingles-are now aesthetically efficient, desirable and durable.

2006 brings in new tax credits for solar energy technologies and people can also be eligible for state incentives.

For more information, consult with a tax professional, contact the Internal Revenue Service at www.irs.gov, or check out www.doe.gov for the most recent in tax credit information.

Sunlight isn't only used to build electricity. It's also used to heat water, which can be used to warm homes and organizations. Solar-powered radiant heating systems work some industrial processes and drive turbines to build electricity. More than 20 years many solar thermal technologies have already been found in homes for years and can last.

Experts genuinely believe that solar technology systems may benefit this land in a variety of ways. They've the potential to greatly help diversify this country's energy supply, reduce steadily the reliance on imported fuels, improve air quality, offset greenhouse gas emissions and stimulate the economy by assisting to create jobs in the production and installing of solar energy systems. follow us on twitter