Seminar paper from the year 2012 in the subject Environmental Sciences, grade: 1, AKAD University of Applied Sciences Stuttgart, course: Seminar English for Technology, language: English, abstract: By having a look at both the positive and negative aspects of solar energy the intent of this work is twofold: to explain what solar energy is about and to show its meaning and potential in today's energy world. Chapter 2 introduces the concept of renewable energy by roughly outlining the various possibilities and furthermore, gives a short overview on solar energy. The aim of this passage is to familiarize the reader with this technology. Chapter 3 compares the advantages solar energy has to offer and the reasons for which this technology has become a success with the disadvantages and factors that argue against the use of solar energy. Building on the aforementioned comparison, chapter 4 assesses the positive and negative criteria and concludes this brief analysis with an outlook on the future role of solar energy as an energy source.