As the solar power industry continues its positive influence on the energy market, we are beginning to see all of the prominent uses behind numerous solar energy applications. Besides, energy requires the sun’s light and heat.
By utilizing the sun’s benefits to go solar, we save money in the long run and take advantage of what renewable energy offers.
As renewable energy trickles into our lives more with each passing day, we must understand the industrial applications of solar energy. We will continue to see new applications of solar technologies to improve our environmental impact, reduce daily energy costs, and make our lives better overall.
Let’s see what some of these solar energy applications have in store for our world!
Below, we will be sharing numerous basic and creative applications of solar power energy that you can use as everyday renewable energy sources.
The Purpose of Solar Energy
Solar energy requires direct sunlight to generate photovoltaic power or concentrated solar power for electricity. More solar-powered products are dominating the market to help us make use of solar power in the modern age.
After all, solar power operations are typically more cost-effective and less harmful to the environment. Whether you are hoping to live a more sustainable lifestyle or looking for a new way to charge your devices, consider exploring the benefits of solar energy applications.
Basic Solar Energy Applications
There are many perks to living a solar lifestyle. Using any of the following solar energy applications, you can create an efficient solar energy system right at home.
Solar Water Heating
Solar water heating is becoming an eco-friendly alternative to traditional water heaters. Active water systems in solar water heating include direct circulation systems and indirect circulation systems. Passive water systems in solar water heating are a chapter option involving integral collector-storage and thermosiphon systems.
Additionally, solar water heaters are commonly used in hotels, hospitals, guest houses, and more.
Solar Heating for Buildings
Space heating a building depends on whether or not a large building requires heat in its living spaces. For buildings with heat, solar heating needs to come from fans, ducts, radiators, or otherwise.
Buildings that do not need heat, use an external insulated water tank for heat sources.
Solar-distillation
The solar-distillation method requires ample sunlight to transform saline water into distilled water. Once the solar radiation turns into heat, it creates purified water for cooling purposes.
Distilled water is normally expensive in other electrical avenues, but solar distillation makes this type of electrical energy more cost-effective.
Solar-pumping
Solar pumping uses water to increase irrigation and power. This solar energy application is most efficient during the harvest season and warmer seasons when crops will require more water.
Solar Drying for Agriculture
Using solar energy to dry agricultural and animal products improve airflow and fruit quality, protecting sensitive agricultural products from harsh sunlight and preventing low moisture.
Solar Furnaces
Solar furnaces must operate at extremely high temperatures. In this method, solar radiation requires slanted, rotating mirrors to generate high heat.
Solar Cooking
As the energy market faces continued risks with fuel supply, solar cooking is becoming more necessary. Unfortunately, fuels such as coal, kerosene, and cooking gas are quite scarce. The flat plate solar cooker reduces heat loss in convection through an airtight box.
While low maintenance costs are a benefit of solar cooking, foods cannot be cooked in a solar cooking system in unpredictable conditions or at night.
Solar Electric Power Generation
Photovoltaic (PV) cells generate electricity through direct sunlight. There are various electrical benefits to using solar electric power generation, such as reliability, low maintenance costs, durability, and eco-friendly.
Solar electric power generation is most beneficial for irrigation, commercial-grid power systems, public transportation, and more.
Solar Thermal Power Production
Solar thermal power production is a method that transforms solar energy into electricity. It stores thermal energy by heating fluids through a turbine, producing steam to generate electricity. Ponds are one the most common bodies of water that store thermal energy for solar radiation.
Solar ponds are great for space heating and industrial heating and generate electricity through simmering liquids.
Solar Green Houses
Solar greenhouses keep harmful external elements away from plants, bringing positive CO2 air inside instead. Glass or plastic also covers the greenhouse to maintain controlled indoor temperatures and provide an ideal growing environment for plants year-round.
Solar Outdoor Lighting System
Solar lighting systems can also generate adequate electricity for outdoor landscapes. Each solar outdoor lighting system comes with a rechargeable battery and can now operate throughout the night.
Creative Solar Applications
In addition to the traditional solar energy applications we mentioned, there are ample creative solar applications to consider using in everyday life. As more solar innovations join the industry, we can see how these improved materials may enrich our lives.
Solar Fabrics
An exciting fashion development, various fabrics and electronics now have flexible solar panels for added warmth. Solar fabrics can be stitched into sweaters, scarves, or thick winter coats. Solar fabrics also supply electricity to portable electronics.
Solar Skins
Solar skins are customizable designs that camouflage into solar panel systems. Instead of having the look of traditional solar panels on your roof, solar skins can project an advertisement or any custom image of your choosing onto the solar panels.
Solar Roads
Solar-powered roads are versatile because they generate clean energy for a larger market. Solar roads operate during late hours and reduce dangerous elements in unpredictable climate conditions, such as snow and ice on the road. Many transportation companies are already exploring solar-powered roads as a possible energy solution for our needs.
Floating Solar Farms
Floating solar farms, or floatovoltaics, float on large bodies of water to generate energy efficiency on a commercial scale. This innovation reduces water evaporation by blocking direct sunlight and reducing frequent air circulation. Implementing more floating solar farms could also lower water treatment costs through its power production and water cooling effects.
Solar Storage
Solar storage could be the innovation we need to store electricity on a larger power grid. Molten salt storage technology systems are a particularly innovative approach that converts molten salt into heat.
PV Solar Noise Barriers (PVNB)
PV solar noise barriers reduce inconvenient traffic noise from densely populated surroundings. Many areas are already constructing PV solar noise barriers and finding them to be cost-effective and sustainable.
Solar at Night
Solar panels cannot operate at night because they require direct sunlight. However, a new solar panel is currently in development.
This nighttime solar panel uses infrared light to store energy during the day and operates a large power grid at night, serving as a huge innovation for the energy market.
Portable Solar Power
Portable solar PV chargers are lightweight, environmentally friendly, and can keep many electronic devices charged at a moment’s notice.
Work With OnePointe Solutions
Are you seeking custom design templates for your laboratory? If you work in the solar industry and require lab-grade work surfaces, tables, custom casework, workbenches, and lab seating for your workstation, OnePointe Solutions can help!
At OnePointe Solutions, we manufacture state-of-the-art laboratory, industrial, and commercial furniture. We provide high-quality products for your facility’s needs by offering a customized solution with innovative energy-efficient solutions.
Schedule an initial consultation with the OnePointe Solutions team by calling (866) 612-7312.