Final answer:
The correct statement about solar energy is that newer technologies help reduce the rate of use of fossil fuels by increasing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of solar panels and systems.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct statement about solar energy among the given options is that newer technologies for solar energy help reduce the rate of use of fossil fuels. Technological advancements in the solar industry increase the efficiency of solar panels and solar systems, which in turn makes solar energy a more viable and cost-effective alternative to fossil fuels. This contributes to a decrease in the reliance on fossil fuels as energy sources. It is generally known that with time and advancement in technology, renewable energy sources like solar are likely to become more economical. Additionally, solar energy does require a steady supply of sunlight to be effective, and while solar heating equipment costs have been decreasing, it is not necessarily accurate to label them as 'inexpensive.'
Serfs, the peasant class, worked the land and, in return, were guaranteed protection and a place to live by their lords. Over time, the feudal system began to decline with the advent of capitalism, the Great Famine, the Black Death, and the Hundred Years' War, which altered the economic and social landscapes of Europe.