How is solar energy used in everyday life? This great question has surprisingly many answers.
Solar energy can be used for just about anything. From lighting street signs to warming our water, we can all find ways to benefit from the sun's rays.
Solar Electricity for Homes (Solar Photovoltaics)
Using solar energy at home is becoming increasingly popular.
Due to government incentives and diy solar systems, the price of solar shingles and panels are becoming more affordable to the everyday consumer.
Home solar power can be used independently from a grid system. Excess electricity made during the day is stored for night use. More commonly are solar energy systems that are tied to a grid and trade electricity. During night hours and cloudy days, electricity from the grid is used.
Solar Heat for Homes (Solar Thermal Energy)
Solar thermal energy can be used to warm the air in your home or the water for your morning shower. Heating swimming pools and cooking with solar energy is possible due to solar thermal power.
Outdoor Solar Lights
If you are looking for energy efficient outdoor lighting, solar power is a great option. Most outdoor solar lights are low maintenance, easy to install, free of wires and cords and turn on automatically at night. They don't get too hot, which means they don't pose a fire risk. This is especially important in dryer climates.
Solar Yard Lights
Landscaping style solar yard lights are the most popular on the market. Used to line walkways and gardens, these affordable lights are typically packaged in sets of two or four and can be found in home improvement stores.
Solar Lamp Post Lights
Starting at $200, maintenance free solar lamp post lights make a nice addition to outdoor entryways and front lawns.
Solar Patio Lights
From tabletop containers that look like candles, to tiki-torch style, solar patio lights can be found in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Solar Address Light
A solar address sign is great for the pizza delivery driver, emergency personnel, or anyone else that may need to find your home after daylight hours. These easy to install solar house numbers are becoming increasingly popular.
Solar Powered Christmas Lights Solar powered Christmas lights work in the same way as other outdoor solar lighting. For those of us that live in cold climates with short days, there may not be enough sunlight to power the lights during the holiday season. If you live in the south, using solar Christmas lights during the holidays can be a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. Solar rope lights are another great option.
Other Solar Energy Items
Any product that requires electricity and has access to the sun can receive part, if not all, of its power from solar energy. As solar technology continues to grow and evolve, more products will become available.
Here are a few solar energy items that are on the market today.
Solar fountains, fountain pumps, and bird baths
Solar pool pumps, heaters, and covers
Solar watches, calculators, and phones
Solar powered generator, solar fans, flashlights and radios
Using solar energy at home is becoming increasingly popular.
Due to government incentives and diy solar systems, the price of solar shingles and panels are becoming more affordable to the everyday consumer.
Solar Yard Lights
Here are a few solar energy items that are on the market today.
