With energy prices soaring, more companies are searching for cheaper ways to cool, heat, and light their buildings. Two energy sources have picked up during this search. Solar energy is being used for smaller energy needs, while wind energy is taking over the United States as a new main energy source.

Many traffic signals are already using solar energy to power up. You can recognize these signals by the small solar panel that is right above them. Large-scale solar energy is simply not available at this time, however. Plenty of research is trying to discover a way to run an entire building off of pure solar energy. In the mean time, small-scale solar energy needs, like traffic signals, can be used. Toyota has even utilized solar energy technology in its new Prius to run the car’s air-conditioning.

Wind energy can clearly be seen advancing by the many windmills, or turbines, that dot the horizon in the plains. Rural areas of Illinois and Nebraska are one of these sections of the country where turbines are plentiful. They are an easy decision for many landowners, usually farmers, who can farm the land underneath the turbines while renting out or selling the land needed for the turbines. States not in the Midwest are looking into wind energy as well, as Massachusetts demonstrates by advocating for off-shore turbines.

As solar energy is still being developed, it still has great potential for green and efficient energy use. Even by its use for smaller projects, like a car’s air-conditioning, it can greatly help decrease the cost of energy in the United States. Wind energy has already proven itself, with one turbine able to produce energy for over 200 households.