The US and many other countries currently rely to a great extent on coal, oil, and natural gas for its energy production. Fossil fuels are non-renewable, that is, they come from exhaustible resources that will in time diminish, becoming too costly and too environmentally damaging to harvest.

In direct contrast, renewable energy resources such as wind and solar energy are perpetually replenished and will never run out. Lets take a look at a few solar energy facts:

Almost all renewable energy in one way or another comes from the sun. Light from the sun can be used for making electricity, lighting, heating, cooking, water heating and many other things. The heat from the sun also influences the winds, which in turn can be captured with wind turbines. Then, the winds and the sun's heat cause water to evaporate. Then mother nature takes over and it rains and runs downhill into rivers and streams. This powerful flow of water can then be captured creating hydroelectric power.

As we all know the rain, snow and sun is life giving. It's what makes all things grow. All plant life is made up of an organic material called biomass. This biomass can also be used to produce electricity. When biomass is used for this purposes is called biomass energy.

So we now know the sun plays a large part in renewable energy but not all renewable resources come from the sun. The Earth's internal heat has many uses, including production of electric power. The term for this is called geothermal energy.

Our planets oceans are another form of renewable energy. The power of the oceans waves and tides are captured to produce electricity. The warm surface water and cold depths are utilized as an energy source.

Why do you think renewable energy is so important? Renewable energy is key because of the benefits it provides. Some of the most important solar energy facts are:

The Environmental Benefits: Renewable energy technology has a very small ecological footprint and are considered clean sources of energy. That is a very important considering that conventional energy technologies can not make the same claims.

There will be Energy for our children's children: Fossil fuels and other sources of energy will some day be exhausted Energy from Renewable Sources will Never run out. Ever. That is a solar energy fact jack!

Jobs and the economy: As renewable energy technology becomes more popular, the demand for quality product increases. This will lead to a boost to the economy and create jobs. Products manufactured in the US can be sold overseas which will also boost US trade. Keep it Green--Keep it at home.

The solar energy fact is that renewable energy technology does work. And it is becoming affordable enough that you can put it to work in your home or business. With the increasing popularity and more readily available to consumers, renewable energy technology will decrease our impact on global warming. You will spend less of your hard earned income on energy and help create a world less dependent on fossil fuels.