The sun is the reason for the existence of life on Earth. The sun produces heat and light, allowing plant and animal life to grow and thrive. In addition to facilitating life on Earth, the sun’s resources can be harnessed for a variety of other uses. Below is a list of the many applications of solar energy.
Solar Lighting
Solar lighting is surprisingly simple. It involves the implementation of the photovoltaic effect, which is the process of converting light to electricity. A solar panel collects the light from the sun throughout the day and stores the energy from it in a rechargeable gel cell battery. An intelligent controller senses when it is dark and uses the stored energy to power LED bulbs.
Solar Heating
Unlike photovoltaic cells, the solar heating process does not generate electricity. Solar heating captures the heat from the sun and uses it to warm air or water, then sends it to where it is needed, like a room. There are two types of solar heating: passive and active. Passive heating uses a large, flat panel to collect heat. The warm air rises and exits the unit while cold air is pushed in towards the bottom, allowing the air to circulate. Active solar heating uses a pump to move warmed liquid to the desired location.
Solar Electricity
Arguably the most well-known use for solar energy is solar electricity. Its popularity is partly due to the cost of solar panels continually declining. More and more people are aware of the environmental and cost benefits of solar power than ever before. Because of its rising popularity, solar panel installation companies like Inspire Energy offer affordable ways for homeowners to significantly reduce their traditional electricity bill by installing solar cells on the roof of their house. These solar cells collect sunlight throughout the day, much the same way that solar lighting does. Solar batteries attached to the solar power system store the energy. The battery allows the energy to be used as electricity in the person’s home after the sun goes down.
Solar Powered Vehicles
Though not quite ready for public use, solar-powered vehicle designs are being perfected now. Solar-powered cars use the same photovoltaic cells discussed above to collect energy from the sun. The sunlight is converted to electricity and is used in combination with space-age aerodynamic technologies. The combination may allow solar-powered cars to go months without charging from another source.
Portable Solar Power
On the recreational side of life, solar power can be used in a variety of items made for people that are on-the-go. Solar cells are used in phone chargers, portable lights, and radios. Additionally, the technology to outfit cellphones with solar power cells already exists.
Get Renewable Energy
With the current global energy crisis, renewable energy is at the forefront of people’s minds. Solar power is an environmentally friendly energy source that can help cut down on energy costs. With all its uses, it is easy to incorporate solar energy into everyday life.
