I want to ask you a question that's at the heart of this website...

Why is solar energy important to you?

But before you answer, let's take a look at solar energy's importance at three levels...

• Historical importance to humankind
• Modern importance to humankind
• Importance to today's homeowners

Once we've explored these areas, you'll be able to browse through our readers very individual reasons to why solar energy is important to them.

Please also add your thoughts on why solar energy is important for you.

Historical Importance of Solar Energy

There are many reasons why solar energy is important to humankind. It's importance to human survival goes back to prehistoric times.

Prehistoric cultures used the Sun's energy for crucial activities such as warming their dwellings, drying their clothing, and curing their food. Solar energy was so important for these cultures that many of them actually worshiped and revered the Sun.

As cultures developed, some even created laws related to accessing solar energy. For example, the ancient Roman empire had a law that forbid anyone from constructing a dwelling that blocked the Sun from their neighbor's home.

In the America's, the Anasazi cliff dwellers also considered solar energy an important resource. They built their dwellings along the south-facing side of cliffs in the current American Southwest in order to use the power of the Sun to warm their homes.

Modern Importance of Solar Energy

During modern times, we've become reliant on fossil fuels. This has allowed us to develop our cultures and economies tremendously, but has come at a steep price.

Due to the side-effects of using fossil fuels, the use of solar energy has become important to mankind once again. Some of the reasons solar energy is important are...

• Global energy demand is increasing
• Continued usage of fossil fuels is damaging our environment
• Solar energy is one of the most promising alternatives to fossil fuels

For a more thorough discussion about the importance of solar energy in the modern world, see Why Solar Energy?

Importance of Solar Energy to Homeowners

Then there are reasons why solar energy is important to homeowners as well. Some of these reasons are...

• Having a positive impact on our environment
• Solar energy saves homeowners money now and in the future
• Allows homeowners to have energy independence

For a more thorough discussion on the importance of solar energy to homeowners, see Why Use Solar Energy.

But at an individual level, everyone is motivated by different things. Some people are interested in solar energy for the environmental benefits, others see solar energy as a way to reduce their electricity costs, and yet others are looking to solar energy as a way to leave a positive legacy for their children.

So, I ask you the question...

Why is Solar Energy Important to You?

Why is the use and continued development of solar energy important for YOU?

• Are you mainly interested in helping the environment?
• Is it important for you to leave a positive legacy for your children?
• Do you want to be truly energy independent?
• Or do you simply want to save money?

Whatever your reasons, share them here and let your story be heard!

Enter the Title of Your Story

Share Your Story! [ ? ]

Close Help Entering your story is easy to do. Just type!... Your story will appear on a Web page exactly the way you enter it here. You can wrap a word in square brackets to make it appear bold. For example [my story] would show as my story on the Web page containing your story. TIP: Since most people scan Web pages, include your best thoughts in your first paragraph.

Upload 1-4 Pictures or Graphics (optional) [ ? ]

Close Help Do you have a picture to add? Great! Click the button and find it on your computer. Then select it.

Add a Picture/Graphic Caption (optional) 

Click here to upload more images (optional)

Add a Picture/Graphic Caption (optional) 

Add a Picture/Graphic Caption (optional) 

Add a Picture/Graphic Caption (optional) 

Author Information (optional)

To receive credit as the author, enter your information below.

Your Name	(first or full name)
Your Location	(ex. City, State, Country)

Submit Your Contribution

Check box to agree to these submission guidelines.

(You can preview and edit on the next page)

What Other Visitors Have Said

Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...