As our world's population grows, so to does our need for energy. Scientists seek the next breakthrough in new technology while constantly finding ways to make current solutions cheaper and more efficient. In this title, discover what solar energy is, its history, how we use it today, and how new technologies can contribute to our energy future. Learn about cutting-edge uses for solar cells, including tiny nano-sized cells and cells printed on paper, and exciting new ways to make and use power from the sun's heat. Sidebars, full-color photos, full-spread diagrams, well-placed graphs, charts, and maps, stories highlighting innovations in action, and a glossary enhance this engaging title. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Essential Library is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.