If you think back to the not-so-distant past you can remember a time where society was technologically deficient. There was no such thing as a computer, let alone the Internet, and the thought of taking a picture of a person then transmitting the image through a phone within seconds was unheard of. However, times have evolved just as humans have. And in that evolution we have seen some miraculous advancements, including floating bed mattresses, voice-activated cars (like in Knight Rider), and even human cloning. Solar power is now an advancement to add to the growing list as it is now on the brink of changing our world. And soon, we may not have to depend on anything else if we so choose.

What is Solar Power?

Solar power, which is a term used interchangeably with solar energy, is simply defined as power or energy from the Sun. This form of natural power is the result of technological advancements that have allowed us to transform energy from the sun into electricity. And why not use the Sun's energy? It is readily available to us and emanates so much natural power that in just one hour it could meet the world's demand for energy in just one year.

Solar power is used in two major ways: as a heat source, and as an energy source. As a heat source, solar power is used to heat water and homes, ventilate, cook food, distill water and even disinfect. As a heating source, solar energy also has great benefits. Almost 10,000 Americans receive their electricity from solar power in a process that is called photovoltaic's. Photovoltaic's is the process of converting light into electricity through something called the photoelectric effect. While a lot of research was initially being conducted to begin the process of using this form of electricity in homes, some of the momentum was lost due to a sudden drop in oil prices that lasted for almost 15 years. Now that the world economy is once again in a crisis with oil supplies dwindling, researchers are stepping up their game to find alternatives to our current source of energy.

How You Can Solar Power Your Life

There are many options sprouting up that allow people to incorporate solar energy into their lives. Here are a few:

Solar Lighting - Many people already use natural light as a secondary source of lighting for their homes. Approximately 25 percent of the electricity used in the United States alone is for lighting their homes so solar lighting works as a great way to cut down the cost of electricity; and the method is simple - just open your drapes and blinds.

Some say that the benefits of solar lighting extend to some psychological benefits, including increased physical energy and sharper concentration, so it seems the perks of solar lighting can be great, if only you can find a way to gather an ample supply for your home. Some architects have kept up with the times and are beginning to develop homes that have unique window orientations that will allow more lighting to enter. In addition, more homes are coming equipped with skylights and light tubes, both of which help to emit more sun beams.

Hybrid Solar Lighting (HSL) - Hybrid solar lighting is an even more advanced variation of solar lighting that goes one step further to provide illumination in the home. HSL collects sunlight using something called focusing mirrors, which actually track the sun. The collected light is then transmitted into your home's interior and works as a great supplement to artificial lighting; however, it has not yet been slated as a full replacement.

Solar Paneling - Many people are now catching on to solar paneling as a way to run electricity through their homes from the solar panels that sit on top. Solar paneling for the home is not only cost-efficient for the home owner in the long run, but also helps the economy by reducing the tons of carbon dioxide emitted into the air daily. Some states, like California, are working to require that 50% of its homes move to solar paneling by 2013 and are providing financial incentives for them to do so. But on the whole, it seems we still have a ways to go before everyone catches on to this effective energy source.

Solar-Powered Cars - These cars are becoming more popular, especially due to the increase in oil prices. With gas moving into unreasonable categories, people are beginning to consider trading in their guzzler of a SUV for a more petite, economic-friendly, solar-powered car. A car that runs from solar power uses the same solar panels found on homes to collect solar energy and convert it to electrical energy. While they are not prevalent at the moment, there may be a time in the not-too-distant future that they will have to become to the norm.

Solar Ovens - Believe it or not, a solar oven is something that has been in existence for almost two centuries. However, most people prefer the luxury of their gas or electric oven, or even barbeque grill, and never consider the possibility of creating their own oven that runs from natural energy. If you are interested in creating a small one for fun, you can create your own little solar-powered oven from a pizza box (visit the Cool Projects to try at Home website for more information). While your baby oven probably won't reach more than 200 degrees, you can still use it as a great alternative if you ever lose power or are out camping in the woods.

Our society is moving in a direction that puts us in more need of energy, especially as our resources wither away. Soon we might be in a position to have to rely on solar power as our only source of energy. With knowing the changes that are appearing on the horizon, it is a good idea to stay one step ahead of the game by adapting to solar power in different ways. It is more efficient, environmentally friendly, and available in full abundance. What do you have to lose?