on the Sun and the Energy it radiates. At present more than 85% of the world's energy usage comes from fossil fuels - that is crude oil, natural gas and coal. Hydroelectric and nuclear power make up another 13% and less than 1% is derived from solar energy. It has been estimated that all of our fossil fuel reserves will be used up within the next 70 years - and fossil fuels are not replaceable. Not only are they not replaceable, but when we do use them we add to the pollution of the atmosphere and to global warming.
The Sun is expected to radiate energy for at least another 5 billion years. Every hour the amount of Solar Energy reaching Earth is more than the total energy used by the whole population of Earth in one year. Solar Energy powers the Earth's climate - it is responsible for our winds and ocean currents, our rain, our rivers, our storms - our very lives. Plants and animals depend on the sun for light, heat and energy. Plants rely on solar energy in order that they may carry out photosynthesis - this helps to convert Carbon Dioxide into Oxygen - without this all animals would die. Plants and animals that died millions of years ago decomposed and turned into today's fossil fuels. Ultimately all life on Earth since the first life appeared has depended on our Sun for its existence.
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It is no surprise, therefore, that many civilizations in the past, as well as some in the present, have worshipped the Sun. For without the Sun, without Solar Energy, we would not exist. It is up to us to realize these facts and to do something about our otherwise depleting energy sources. Over the past few years solar energy related products and services have increased dramatically, but it is important for everyone to do his bit to decrease our reliance on fossil fuels. Some wise countries are actually paying people for the energy they feed back into the National Electricity Grid from solar panels installed on their roofs.
I will attempt to look at some of the many solar energy related applications that have come onto the market in recent years. In many countries there are laws preventing people from taking the initiative and converting their homes to being more energy efficient. I will go through some of the products that are available.
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