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Solar Energy Bill
[|Click here to see original copy of **Solar Energy Research and Advancement Act of 2007 (H.R. 2774)**] On June 19, 2007 I introduced the Solar Energy Research and Advancement Act of 2007 (H.R. 2774). H.R. 2774 was included in the comprehensive energy package that passed the House in December and was signed by the President. This bill establishes a four-point plan to promote solar power. It calls for:
 * A program to create and strengthen solar industry workforce training and internship programs in order to ensure that current and future employees obtain the necessary skills to install, operate and maintain solar energy products;
 * A nationwide initiative for private industry and public agencies to demonstrate advanced solar photovoltaic (PV) technology. All states, such as Arizona, that submit qualifying proposals can receive this funding, which will advance the commercial application of solar technology;
 * The creation of a research and development program into thermal energy storage technologies for concentrating solar power (CSP). CSP uses mirrors to convert the sun’s energy into heat, which is then used to produce electricity. The focus of the program will be on how to improve storage technology so that solar energy consumers can obtain electricity at night and on cloudy days;
 * A report regarding the integration of concentrating solar power plants and regional electricity transmission systems, including how to send electricity from high solar resource areas (such as Arizona) to areas with less solar power;
 * An analysis of how to reduce the amount of water consumed by concentrating solar power systems;
 * Research and development for solar lighting technology, such as solar light pipes, which is a highly efficient method to create electricity; and
 * Research and development for solar air conditioning technology.

=What Solar Energy Is.= Today less than 0.1% of our heating, transportation and power energy comes from direct sunlight although it is now possible to meet all our energy needs with this simple, renewable resource. Solar Collectors transform short wavelengths into long wavelengths and trap this energy in the form of heat which is transferred and transported into a heat storage vault. Solar panels convert selected wavelengths of light into electricity. How much is one hour of sunlight on three square meter worth**?** Let’s see, if we’re talking about electricity and we say that electricity is worth $0.10 per KWH than 3KWH’s are worth $0.30. The problem is that PV panels have a radiant energy conversion rate of about 20% or less so three hours of sunlight on one square meter of a solar panel is worth less than $0.06 media type="youtube" key="qYeynLy6pj8" height="344" width="425"

Why we Need Solar Energy
There is a growing need to find alternative fuels for many reasons. The biggest reason that we need alternative fuels like solar energy because we cannot keep depending on foreign countries such as Saudi Arabia and Russia. If we continue to keep buying oil from these countries than we will just be contributing to there efforts. Also oil is a diminishing resources that will run out soon if we do not find another way to run our country.

History
There are three different types of solar energy gatherers. The first and most common source is called a voltaic solar energy panels and these are what the You Tube video above is about. another solar energy gatherer, the most effective is called a concentrating solar system this one is very expensive and takes up a large area but is extremely productive. The third and final type of solar energy is called solar thermal it is mainly used to heat houses and water it is not very costly but not extremely effective.