Solar energy is a natural and cost-effective source of energy. It has a wide range of applications that very few people know.
Fremont, CA: Solar energy is a clean and renewable source of energy that, if harnessed by scientists and manufacturers from many industries, can solve the world energy dilemma. The sun produces light and heat, which can be utilized to generate electricity or used directly to light or heat our dwellings. Solar energy is fast growing in popularity, with a slew of new solar energy technology hitting the market.
Some of the major applications of solar energy are:
Water heating systems
Small-scale CSPs, known as solar geysers, are routinely used in homes to heat water. These geysers are typically installed on rooftops to capture solar energy and transfer it to a water tank. Many homes also use solar energy to heat their swimming pools, which is done by a collector that heats the water through a pump. However, while this initially costs thousands of dollars, it is one of the most cost-effective solutions to heat swimming pools in many regions.
Solar pumps
Solar pumping is one of the most popular commercial uses of solar energy, particularly in agriculture. Many homeowners use thin-film solar panels to power submersible pumps for residential water pumping to save money on their energy bills. Sun pumps are particularly effective during the hot summer months when solar radiation is at its highest. And because water demand is lower in cooler weather, solar pumping is a cost-effective solution all year long.
Solar transportation
Solar-powered automobiles may become a reality in the near future. This ground-breaking transportation system can power trains, subways, planes, automobiles, and even our roadways. Despite the fact that the technology is not generally available, countries such as China are adopting it to power buses and trains in order to minimize carbon emissions and energy costs.
Solar lighting
Solar energy is most typically used for lighting in homes and businesses. Street lights, security lights, and inside lights are all powered by this technology. The fact that current lights consume minimal energy makes solar power suitable for this purpose, as the initial cost and maintenance are quite low.