Solar energy is the energy obtained by the earth from the sun. This type of energy is in the form of solar radiation, which makes the production of solar electricity possible. Solar energy is vital to support life on earth, grow food, light days, weather patterns, create heat, and generate solar electricity. As solar energy technology becomes more advanced, we are able to take advantage of the energy from the sun to provide a significant amount of electricity or even hot water (when using solar hot water panels). Solar energy is also partly responsible for wind energy.