much of energy man consumes indirectly from the sun. Coal , oil , and hydroelectricity can all be though of as from of solar energy, stored as long-dead plants and animals remain of as water, evaporated from the sea by the sun, which falls as rain and provides water power. Today, however , the search is on for a way to use solar energy directly. coal and oil take million of years yo produce and many of the best hydroelectric sites are already in use.