Following the sun across the nation, a crew of young filmmakers got a first-hand look at how solar is working for Americans — in their homes, businesses and public buildings.

It's encouraging to see the examples of how widespread solar energy has become, reducing utility costs for a boat marina and fire station, and cutting pollution generated by a zoo and a Crayola Crayon factory.

The Solar Generation USA crew started filming in the Northeast, made several stops in the Midwest and Rocky Mountains and concluded in California, where solar energy is powering the San Francisco Giant's ballpark and a Napa Valley vineyard.

The production was sponsored by a national trade group, the Solar Energy Industries Association.

(Watch the road trip edited down to a 4-minute film below)