Our nation, the United States of America, has awarded billions in grants and loans for windmill and solar energy research. There are many advantages to solar and wind energy, but there are also many disadvantages. Some pros and cons are minor and some are major, this topic has sparked a dispute whether solar and wind energy are a beneficial solution for our rapid use of resources on earth. Our earth is being stripped of its resources slowly but at an alarming rate. However, solar and wind energy could be the future of our world, but is solar energy good or bad for our planet? Those who oppose solar and wind energy have seen terrible things such as accidents happen from windmills. Tiffany Hsu highlights the flaws of the windmills: “Technicians fell hundreds of feet; others were crushed by rebellious parties or trapped in twisted machinery” (Hsu). Another reason why solar and/or wind energy is harmful is because solar panels create waste as they are produced. Jason, author of an article on solar energy, states: "Although solar is a much less polluting energy source than coal or natural gas, many panel manufacturers nevertheless struggle with a hazardous waste problem" (Dearen) . Solar panels create millions of pounds of waste and are not treated as they should, ending up in water, which can be highly contaminated, and in plants in states like our own Minnesota. A solar energy company in Fremont, California, produced 6.2 million pounds of waste, of which was hauled away by particularly heavy trucks. "They add 5% to the carbon footprint of a particular product," he said. said Mulvaney, professor of environmental studies at San Jose State University. Solar… at the heart of the paper… also in the works to ensure this clean energy source is as safe as possible (Greg Gordon). So solar energy should be how our future world will be powered since wind and sun are free sources provided by nature and are not harmful to our resources on earth. Works Cited Fox, Douglas. “New Energy: Climate Change and Sustainability Shape a New Era.” SIRS researcher. OCLC, November 8, 2010. Web. March 20, 2014. Gordon, Greg. “Patent Filing Says Solar Energy Is Revolutionary Breakthrough” SIRS Researcher. OCLC, May 9, 2013. Web. March 20, 2014. Hsu, Tiffany. “The dark side of solar and wind energy.” SIRS researcher. OCLC, August 3, 2011. Web. March 20, 2014. Jason, Dearen “Solar Industry Grapples with Hazardous Waste.” SIRS researcher. OCLC, February 10, 2013. Web. March 20, 2014. Leahy, Stephen. "For a sick planet, the cure already exists." SIRS researcher. OCLC, June 1, 2012. Web. March 31. 2014.