Solar energy is a clean, abundant, and safe energy source. More energy falls from the sun on Earth in one hour than is used by everyone in the world in one year. Over a two-week period, Earth gets as much energy from the sun as is stored in all known reserves of coal, oil, and natural gas. Solar energy can be used to heat water and spaces for homes and businesses or can be converted into electricity. Solar energy accounts for only about one percent of the total renewable energy resources.