Our planet has finite resources, and this includes water, food, and most importantly, fossil fuels. Our needs on the other hand, are increasing day by day! The human population is rising exponentially and the inequities between the rich and poor are increasing. While our needs and demands increase, it is important to realise that now is the time to look at alternative technologies and renewable energy options.

The great ball of fire in the sky has been revered for centuries by various cultures. Human beings have always known that it is the sun that gives the planet life force and energy. In fact, solar energy has been harnessed since hundreds of years using various technologies.

Today, modern technology such as pv cells has made it possible to efficiently convert the heat of the sun and light into electricity. The energy we receive from the sun is harnessed by animals and plants in amazing ways, but human ingenuity has developed many other applications.

Some other ways to harness the sun's energy are solar architecture, which uses the sun to heat and light the spaces of a building, solar cookers and cooking, disinfection of water by distillation, and solar electricity.

The applications of solar energy are multifaceted! Energy from the sun can in theory be used anywhere where we use fossil fuels. Solar powered cars are already in use and being perfected more. The future of our planet and survival lies in alternative and renewable sources of energy.