Arid areas with few cloudy days are ideal locations for solar power, as long as they aren’t too far north or south
(if you want electricity in the winter, at least). This experimental solar power station in California’s Mojave Desert
uses light reflected by mirrors to heat molten salt to 565°C (1050°F). The salt then boils water which drives a
steam turbine to generate electricity. Other solar power technologies are smaller and more distributed, such as
photovoltaic solar cells and even low-tech solar ovens. (Photograph courtesy