The United States Department of Energy (DOE) grants millions of dollars for advancements in solar energy. Solar energy is a clean, abundant, widespread renewable energy source which can be used to generate electricity while decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. Solar cells are used to convert sunlight directly into electricity.

When the sunlight is absorbed by these solar cells, the solar energy knocks electrons off their atoms which will allow the electrons to flow through these cells to produce the electricity. This process is called photovoltaic effect. With the grants from the DOE, there is research to find more effective processes to use this photovoltaic effect. Competitiveness due to these grants will increase the effort to find practical and efficient uses of this process.

Solar power is a renewable energy source that is fairly cheap and can be used anywhere sunlight reaches. With the research done due to the grants provided by the DOE, the conversion of solar power to electricity will become more efficient. This can help with the current energy crisis. Fossil fuels, such as gas and oil, will eventually disappear. Solar power is out there in abundance.

Solar energy is becoming more common and popular in homes today. Homes can be heated and electricity can be provided inexpensively and reliably. This green method of providing energy can help save our planet. Cars, homes and many other commercial uses will be found to use solar power. All of this can be done without harming our environment.