Right now, only 8 percent of our total energy use comes from renewable energy resources. The other 92 percent is primarily made up of fossil and nuclear fuel sources. Fossil fuels have had damaging effects on the quality of our air, water and soil. In order for people to continue to live healthy lives we must increase the use of renewable energy sources. The first and most important renewable energy is solar energy.
Solar energy is energy that is produced by our sun.
It is the oldest and most efficient form of renewable energy. Ancient Native American tribes like the Anasazi built their homes so that they could utilize the sun's light and warmth. They did this by building their houses within massive rock cliffs that faced to the southwest, the optimal direction for receiving sunlight. In the summer the sun is very high on the horizon, so its light didn't directly enter their homes, allowing the inside of their houses to stay very cool. But in the winter the sun is lower on the horizon and provided direct sunlight and warmth.