For my 9th birthday, my parents gave me a solar car. It wasn't very big, mind you, but it was still terribly interesting to me. At the time, I was very interested in science, so such a gift was a perfect fit for me. I couldn't wait to build it. It was late afternoon, but it was summer, so there was still plenty of sun. We put everything together and rushed out. I triumphantly lowered the car to the ground, and sure enough, after a few seconds, it began to move. Needless to say, I found this an incredible feat. The car moved on its own, simply using the sun! At that point I thought, “Why can’t we power everything with this?” » This surely seemed like a rational thought then. Of course, when I was younger, I didn't really understand the logistics of the whole situation, but that didn't deter me. I believe that solar energy is a feasible, economical and energy-efficient solution for communities, rural and urban, and can be easily understood by all. The efficiency of solar panels has improved, it is easy for homeowners to integrate with the technology, and the technology has already been implemented/proposed in communities. Before addressing this question, I would like to clarify a few points. terms that will be used throughout the document. The term “solar energy” is used as if it is a single conglomerative term, when in reality it refers to two things. One type of solar panel creates power through thermal energy (heat) hitting the panel, creating steam and producing electricity. The second of these panels captures light (especially solar radiation) and converts it into energy. The latter of the two types will be discussed in this article, because the first type is mainly used for heating...... middle of paper ......b. October 25, 2013. Moosavian, SM “Energy policy aimed at promoting photovoltaic production”. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 25 (2013): 44-58. Premier Academic Research. Internet. October 25, 2013.Newton, James D. Rare Friends: Life with Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Harvey Firestone, Alexis Carrel and Charles Lindbergh. San Diego, CA: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1987. Print. “Solar and wind energy calculations.” Returns from solar energy | Solar calculations. Internet. November 17, 2013. .Stoyke, Godo. The Carbon Buster Home Energy Handbook: Slowing Climate Change and Saving Money. Gabriola, British Columbia: New Society Publishers, 2007. Print. Yaqub, Mahdi. “Feasibility Analysis of Commercial Photovoltaic Solar Power Generation in California.” Journal of Engineering Management 24.4 (2012): 36-49. Premier Academic Research. Internet. October 24. 2013.