Exploring Everyday Uses of Solar Energy in Daily Life

According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, solar power has grown substantially over the last two decades. There are now more than 210 gigawatts of solar capacity in the United States, enough to power 36 million homes.

This is due to advances in technologies (that make solar more efficient), growing energy demand, and declining installation costs. Those statistics are interesting to consider, but most people are interested in the practical uses of solar power.

How is solar energy used in our everyday lives? This article provides some answers to that question. Keep reading for information on the many ways that solar can save you money and make your daily life better.

What Is Solar Energy?

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the amount of sunlight that hits the Earth's surface in one-and-a-half hours contains enough power to meet the entire world's energy demands for an entire year. Obviously, not all that energy is captured, but it does give you a sense of the enormous potential of the sun's power.

There are two types of systems that can convert sunlight into energy. Photovoltaic (PV) cells are the most common, found on rooftops or other structures. They use sunlight to create electrical charges.

There is a second type of system that can convert sunlight is called concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP). These are more prevalent in large power plants.

They use mirrors to reflect and concentrate sunlight into receivers that convert it to heat. The heat is then used to produce electricity or used directly for various purposes.

How Is Solar Energy Used in Our Everyday Lives?

There are almost an infinite number of answers to How is solar energy used in our everyday lives? Here are the most common ones to consider.

Powering Homes

One of the main ways that solar is used in daily life is by providing electricity to homes and businesses. It gives people greater control over the energy sources. It also reduces their dependence on electricity from the grid.

Residential solar is one of the best renewable energy sources. It offsets electricity produced by burning fossil fuels, which contribute to global warming and the effects of climate change.

Solar power can help lower energy bills. There are also various federal, state, local, and even utility-based tax credits and rebates, which can offset the upfront costs of installing solar. A practice known as net metering allows customers to sell excess electricity back to the grid.

Outdoor Lighting

Besides powering the inside of your home, a popular use of solar energy is to run outdoor lighting. This avoids having to run wiring from an existing power source. It is particularly useful for more remote applications, such as barns, sheds, or other structures located away from a home or business

Solar outdoor lighting is a good way to ensure greater security for poorly lit buildings or areas. It also can have aesthetic purposes, in addition to functional ones. Solar outdoor lighting is a great way to add to the ambiance of an outdoor space.

Water Heating

Solar electricity can be used for running water heaters directly or through dedicated heating systems. The latter converts sunlight to heat, which is then transferred to water circulating through the system

Either setup can be useful during extended power outages. Most home generators are not powerful enough to run water heaters (and the ones that are, use a huge amount of fuel). Solar water heaters can ensure homes or businesses have hot water regardless of whether they have electricity from the grid.

Producing Hot Air

Likewise, solar power systems can be used to heat the air. Again, this can be through the photovoltaic conversion of sunlight into electricity that is then used to run heat pumps or boilers. There also are solar thermal heating systems that convert sunlight directly into heat that is then used to heat a home

Both applications can be useful for buildings that lose electricity during the winter months. Not only can this be extremely inconvenient but dangerous as well. More than 19,000 Americans have died over the last 45 years due to extreme cold.

Solar heating systems provide reliable heat that will let you avoid such hazards. It also is a sustainable, cost-effective way to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.

Charging and Backup Power

Increasingly, people are using solar energy to charge batteries designed for backup power. The way it works is that solar panels produce electricity used in a home or other building. Excess power is stored in lithium-ion batteries for later use.

This can be useful during power outages or any time the sun is not shining--such as on overcast days or at night. It also helps avoid waste by capturing excess energy that would otherwise go unused. Finally, it further offsets reliance on grid energy whenever solar production is insufficient.

Solar-Powered Pumps

Solar pumps are designed to move water to and from different places. Popular practical solar uses include sump pumps that can operate even when the electricity is out.

They are also a popular option for remote, off-the-grid applications, such as greenhouses, gardens, and agricultural irrigation systems that do not have another power source.

Solar Vehicles

Many automobile manufacturers have started integrating solar panels into vehicles. The technology works similarly to home solar panels. They are installed on the exterior of the car and convert sunlight into power used by the car

Most of these cars include an alternative form of charging or power source. As solar panel technology advances, we are likely to see more vehicles incorporating it.

Learn More About Solar Power Applications

Now that you have answers to the question, How is solar energy used in our everyday lives?" you can determine if it is the right solution for your home or business. An experienced installer can further advise you on everyday solar benefits based on your energy demands and goals.

Since 1991, Infinite Energy has been providing Northern California with the highest-quality residential and commercial solar installation and maintenance services. Our goal is to give customers whole-home energy solutions based on their unique needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.