Solar energy is nothing more than "the light and heat provided by the sun" (Dunn). However, solar energy has some pretty amazing advantages. For one thing, it's a totally free all-natural energy source. For another, the entire earth is like a giant solar collector, because the earth "receives and collects solar energy in the atmosphere, oceans, and plant life" ("How Solar Energy Works" 1). After the earth absorbs half of the sun's energy and makes heat from it, the other half bounces back out into space ("How Solar Energy Works" 1). The half that is absorbed is responsible for the process of photosynthesis that converts the chlorophyll in plants into fuel that the plants can use. Through the use of photovoltaic cells and panels, solar energy can be used to generate electricity ("How Solar Energy Works" 2). Another major advantage of solar energy is that "there is so much of it...way more solar energy available than the world will ever need"-a total solar energy load available worldwide of 3,850 zettajoules per year, compared with only 0.471 zettajoules used each year ("How Solar Energy Works" 3). Solar energy is useful for heating homes, but it can also be used to light them, sterilize water, remove the salt from water, and do a variety of other helpful things ("How Solar Energy Works" 3). Solar energy is a virtually pollution-free energy source, as well; solar panels give off no pollution when generating electricity, and the only pollution involved is any given off during the manufacture of the panels ("Advantages of Solar Power"). Finally, solar power allows people to "harness power in remote locations" where it is too difficult to set up traditional power-generation facilities" ("Advantages of Solar Power"). Portable solar energy systems have been developed, and "Their portability means they can be used anywhere," so even wilderness explorers and mountain climbers can generate electricity when needed ("Portable Sol...