Irish musician Bono, left, sits with former U.S. Vice President Al Gore while addressing a conference at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Jan. 24, 2008. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)
Al Gore made a challenge to repower America by shifting our entire electricity sector to carbon-free wind, solar and geothermal power within 10 years. To help meet the challenge, many are looking up - to the sun - and to solar panels and solar collectors like these for some bright renewable energy ideas.
Right now, solar thermal power is used to drive turbines, producing enough electricity for about 100,000 homes in the US. And several utilities have announced projects to provide enough power for 10 times that many homes in the next several years.
Several states are encouraging communities to install solar panels in new homes, buildings, and even on parking lot roofs. Some research suggests if these systems were installed on all buildings in our country we could supply at least 25% of our electricity needs.
It all comes down to trying to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and give us some incentives to use clean energy. So, check with your local government or your power company, to see if they offer similar plans.