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Solar energy is the fastest-growing source of energy at present, and energy experts around the world believe that it will be the main source of energy in the next century. Solar energy boasts advantages such as abundant reserves, renewability, the ability to be harnessed independently in various parts of the world, and no environmental pollution; as a result, countries around the globe are competing to develop and utilize it, leading to the emergence of a wide range of solar energy products. ★Solar refrigerator: India has developed a solar refrigerator in which a solution of ammonia and water is placed in a flat solar collector; sunlight distills the ammonia from the liquid, which is then cooled down in another container. At night, liquid ammonia is poured into the refrigerator’s pipes; the ammonia absorbs heat, thereby cooling the interior of the refrigerator. ★Solar air conditioners: Solar air conditioners manufactured by Japanese company Sharp, which are powered entirely by solar cells when the weather is clear ； Use a regular power source on cloudy or overcast days. ★Solar TV: A solar TV produced in Finland; by placing the semiconductor silicon cell in sunlight during the day, it is possible to watch TV at night without needing electricity, and it can be used for 3–4 hours continuously. ★Solar ventilators: Japan has recently introduced a type of ventilator designed for use in buildings powered by solar energy. It is installed on window frames equipped with solar panels, and the electricity generated by these panels is used to drive the ventilator, enabling a ventilation rate of 1 cubic meter per minute. ★Solar radio: Germany has developed a solar radio that is capable of converting solar energy into direct current, which is then used as power for the radio. ★Solar telephones: The world’s first solar telephones were installed in the city of Tours, France. Phone booths equipped with such telephones have solar cells installed at the top, and the telephones rely entirely on solar energy as the power source for wireless communication. This telephone has clear sound and no communication issues. It will be installed widely along highways throughout France. A British radio company also developed a similar telephone. ★Solar camera: Japan has developed the world’s first solar camera, which weighs only 475 grams. It is equipped with high-efficiency solar panels and batteries, allowing it to operate continuously for up to 4 years once fully charged. An American company has also developed a new type of 135 camera that is powered by solar panels, allowing it to generate energy as long as there is light. ★Solar cars: Tokyo Denki University in Japan has recently designed a lightweight solar car equipped with two sets of batteries on its roof, which are charged by sunlight and used alternately. A set of batteries allows the vehicle to travel 110 kilometers after charging; in the summer, when there is the most sunlight, this distance can reach 150 kilometers. It is best suited for use in areas with long periods of daylight. It doesn’t use fuel and doesn’t pollute the environment. ★Solar bicycle: American scientists have recently designed a solar bicycle. It installs a panel composed of 44 photovoltaic cells on a regular bicycle, as well as an aluminum battery and a small electric motor with a power output of 0.5 horsepower. On flat ground, this utility bike can be propelled using pedals; when going uphill or when the rider is tired, an electric motor can be activated to drive the bike and increase its speed. ★Solar-powered toothbrush: Japanese scientists have recently developed a solar-powered toothbrush. A certain amount of titanium dioxide is placed in the handle cavity of this toothbrush; when exposed to sunlight, the titanium oxide releases electron beams. These electron beams create a subtle electric field around the teeth, causing the bristles of the toothbrush to harden. Due to electromagnetic effects and mechanical action, dirt adhering to the teeth can be removed quickly.