Earth’s growing population is consuming its resources too quickly, experts say. Scientists have emphasized the need to develop new sources of energy, while at the same time protecting the environment. Economists predict that oil prices will likely continue to rise, and consumers, especially large corporations, retailers, hospitals, and schools will be looking for cheaper sources of energy, such as solar power. The sun gives off more energy in one hour than the entire world population consumes in one year. However, the challenge for inventors is to convert solar power into useful forms, and to store it
inexpensively.