In recent decades the world has rapidly dried up its natural resources due to rapid population growth and the development of previously underdeveloped countries. It is estimated that by 2005 energy demand will increase by another 50%. (Eco-Info) In 2009 it was estimated that within the next hundred years all the earth's resources such as coal, oil and natural gas will be completely exhausted. (Eco-Info) Along with the depletion of these resources, many companies that harvest oil, natural gas and coal are destroying the ecosystems and environments around them. People are slowly starting to realize that a change is needed in the way we use and source energy. The solution: find clean, efficient ways to energize the public. Over the last thirty years there has been a wave of people trying to find new ways to obtain energy. One of the most popular new ways of energy is solar energy. Countries have invested millions of dollars to provide solar energy to their populations. According to GTM Research, a solar-powered device is installed every four minutes around the world. (Stephen Lacey) Many world powers are moving towards solar energy such as China, Japan, the United States and many others. Australia is just starting its movement into solar energy. Solar energy is beneficial to Australia due to optimal weather conditions throughout the year and the growing popularity of using alternative energy sources. To keep the solar energy movement strong in Australia, they should look to the United States' solar energy efforts as a model. Solar energy is the energy collected from solar radiation. The Sun is so powerful that it provides the Earth with the same energy...... middle of paper......S. (Solar Energy Industries Association). Even though the solar energy movement is on the rise, out of all 9.23 million megawatts, it produces only 0.23% of total U.S. electricity. (Energy.gov) There are over 550 major solar projects in the United States. Now, under the Obama administration, 16 more projects have been approved that will provide 6,000 megawatts of power. (SEIA) However, the concentration of the largest and most powerful plants is found in the South-West. (SEIA) In fact, the oldest solar energy facility, the SEGS Thermal Power Plant, resides in California and generates approximately 354 megawatts of energy. (SEIA) The popularity of solar energy in both Australia and the United States is rapidly increasing. A March poll found that 76% of Americans believe the country should start putting more emphasis on solar energy production. (Carole Feldman)