Answer: As a renewable power source, solar energy has an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change, which is critical to protecting humans, wildlife, and ecosystems. Solar energy can also improve air quality and reduce water use from energy production. In theory, solar energy was used by humans as early as the 7th century B.C. when history tells us that humans used sunlight to light fires with magnifying glass materials. Later, in the 3rd century B.C., the Greeks and Romans were known to harness solar power with mirrors to light torches for religious ceremonies. Solar energy is the most abundant energy resource on earth -- 173,000 terawatts of solar energy strikes the Earth continuously. That's more than 10,000 times the world's total energy use. 5. The first silicon solar cell, the precursor of all solar-powered devices, was built by Bell Laboratories in 1954. The solar was a room in many English and French medieval manor houses, great houses, and castles, mostly on an upper story, designed as the family's private living and sleeping quarters. Within castles, they are often called the "Lords' and Ladies' Chamber" or the "Great Chamber". It radiates light and heat, or solar energy, which makes it possible for life to exist on Earth. Plants need sunlight to grow. Animals, including humans, need plants for food and the oxygen they produce. Without heat from the sun, Earth would freeze. Solar technology isn't new. Its history spans from the 7th Century B.C. to today. We started out concentrating the sun's heat with glass and mirrors to light fires. Today, we have everything from solar-powered buildings to solar-powered vehicles. Solar energy is any energy generated by the sun. Solar energy can be harnessed directly or indirectly for human use. These solar panels, mounted on a rooftop in Germany, harvest solar energy and convert it to electricity. Solar energy is any energy generated by the sun. Solar energy is used for various purposes. Anything can generate electricity or heat (solar thermal) through solar energy. Can deliver electricity to areas without electricity, use it in factories, supply clean water, use it in household chores, and use it for space satellites. Solar energy is the energy received from the Sun, which we use heat to power our homes and appliances by transforming it into thermal or electrical energy. We can use solar energy endlessly as long as the Sun is present, and therefore, we can say that it is the most efficient and infinite form of energy. Most solar panels are made of silicon, which is the main component of natural beach sand. Silicon is abundantly available, making it the second most available element on Earth. However, converting sand into high-grade silicon comes at a high cost and is an energy-intensive process. Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic or PV panels, are made to last more than 25 years. In fact, many solar panels installed as early as the 1980s are still working at the expected capacity. Not only are solar panels remarkably reliable, but solar panel longevity has also increased dramatically over the last 20 years. The most commonly used solar technologies for homes and businesses are solar photovoltaics for electricity, passive solar design for space heating and cooling, and solar water heating. Businesses and industry use solar technologies to diversify their energy sources, improve efficiency, and save money.