Solar power is the electricity obtained by sunlight
. It is the safest source of energy available. In the year 2008 it was estimated that solar energy can produce 1000 times of the total world consumption of electricity whereas only 0.02% was provided that year. Solar energy is considered as the optimum alternative source of energy for day to day usage. Solar energy appliances should be widely used in countries where this source of power is available nearly throughout the year.
Solar energy provides us with various benefits like; cut down in our electricity bills, protects fossil fuel reserves and also helps in reducing environmental pollution as the burning of fossil fuels is reduced. The major reason it reduces our electricity bill is that the sunlight is free of cost and you can use as much as sunlight as you require as there is not such concept of reduction in sunlight. Solar power can also be used in various ways which helps knowing its importance making it the best alternative source of power.
Heating water
Solar power helps you in heating water for your pool, hot tub and hot water tank. There are two ways of doing this. Firstly you can run the water in the direct circulation system all through solar collector and secondly you can heat glycol in the sunlight and then transfer the heat to water. This not only keeps the water hot but also is also the safest method of doing it. It is economical and the most practical way of heating water nowadays.
Signals
Solar energy is also widely used in traffic signals and other transportation signaling like; offshore navigation, lighthouses and aircraft warning lights etc. Such signals need constant power to work properly and act like safeguards towards accidents. Therefore solar power as used as it can provide regular energy and does not even cost much.
Residential usage
Solar power can also be used at your homes. It is widely used in operating outdoor lightings. There are certain indoor lightings as well that operate with solar energy. Solar energy is considered the best for residential use as it is not only a secured source of energy but also is not costly. It reduces your electricity bill giving you the option of applying that money somewhere else or save for rainy days.
Water pumps
Solar power is also used in providing power to water pumps. Initially windmills were used to operate water pumps but that operation is also taken up by solar power. Nowadays solar power has takes place of all the other sources of energy helping the users and also saving natural reserves from diminishing.
The major benefit of solar power is that it is reliable and requires less maintenance allowing you to use it for many years ahead. It is also helpful as it can be easily used in places where it becomes difficult for other sources of energy to get. This source of energy is not only cheap but is also helps in saving electricity for those cold areas where sunlight is not commonly found.