Editing Alternative technology (section)

=== Solar panels ===
[[File:Solar panels in the desert.jpg|thumb|Solar panels]]
[[Solar panel]]s absorb [[sunlight]] as a source of energy to generate direct current [[electricity]]. Solar panels are used to generate and supplies [[solar electricity]] and are often found on household roofs or in fields (especially in the desert, like in the photo to the right). Solar power is an efficient way to achieve a clean energy future. Every day, the sun gives off far more energy than we need to power everything on earth.<ref name="fortum">{{Cite web|url=https://www.fortum.com/about-us/our-company/our-energy-production/solar-power-unlimited-source-energy|title=Solar energy - facts and advantages about solar power {{!}} Fortum|website=www.fortum.com|language=en|access-date=2019-12-12}}</ref> Solar panels are renewable, CO<sub>2</sub> free, and have low operating costs because they simply use the suns energy to produce electricity and once they are installed, there are no further variable costs.<ref name="fortum" /> One issue with solar panels is that they are expensive, and even though they will eventually be worth it, they are an investment."In 2019, the average cost of installing solar panels is $3.05 per watt, so with the average system size tallying in at 6 kilowatts, this means that the average solar panel system cost in the U.S. is around $12,810 after tax credits are applied."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thestreet.com/technology/average-cost-of-solar-panels-14875697|title=What Is the Average Cost of Solar Panels in 2019?|last=White|first=Jacquelyn|website=Stock Market - Business News, Market Data, Stock Analysis - TheStreet|language=en-us|access-date=2019-12-12}}</ref>