The amazing energy coming from the Sun has been powering life on Earth for billions of years. Even though sunlight is Earth's primary source of energy, man has recently learned how to harness it in order to use it to his advantage, although plants have been doing that since the dawn of time (capturing the energy of sunlight and converting it to chemical form – photosynthesis). It is vital to pass on this information and technology to our children, so that they can develop it further and slowly eliminate the use of fossil fuels for generating energy.
Teaching children in an early state of their development about the benefits of solar energy will ensure the comfortable lifestyle of our lineage, since in a century or so, mankind will not be able to depend on polluting fossil fuels anymore. This will also implement a responsible, ecologically-aware behavior that we want our children to have in the future. Here, teaching children about the devastating effects fossil fuels have on our environment is a key factor that will insure our survival and well being.
Aside from the fact that children could be taught about the benefits of solar power in schools, they must also see it in action, and what better place to do that than in their own homes? Since young children have a tendency to be very curious about what surrounds them and imitate their parents' behavior and practices, owning a solar panel and explaining this choice to your child will make him learn about sustainable living.
For a young child, learning about solar power and panels may be too complex to forgive, so you can also introduce this technology to your child by buying all sorts of solar-powered toys and experimental or science kits that allows him to experience the different uses of solar power and learn about the principles behind solar energy.
Parents can also help their children build their own solar device from scratch, using the information given on educational websites that include how-to guides to making, for instance, a solar power recharger or home-made hot water system.
Renouncing our habits and changing our mentality by becoming more protective towards our environment and replacing a comfortable but pricey way of obtaining the energy we need to sustain our lifestyle is a process which will take some time, but will bring worldwide benefits. By doing that, we are making a change that our children will only have to improve in the future.