subject: Uses Of Solar Energy For Households [print this page] These days, the efforts to push up solar power as a major source of energy are on the rise and solar energy is gradually establishing a solid presence in U.S households. Emphasis on the immense benefits of using this renewable energy and awareness about environmental issues are making people worldwide 'go solar'. Residential solar electricity systems are replacing conventional electric services to harness the sun's power, save money and protect the environment.
Solar Power Saves Costs
Solar Energy is one of the abundant and renewable resources available to humankind and no manpower is required to generate it. All that you need to have is a solar panel which is available in major electronic stores. Photovoltaic cells form the heart of the solar panels that convert solar power to electricity. Once the initial installation is carried out, consumers will have minimum maintenance expenditure. You can ultimately save a lump sum.
Here are some of the uses of solar energy in our households:
Heating Water:
Solar energy can be tapped for heating water with the help of a solar water heater. Using a solar water heater helps you save electric energy and protects the environment too, by reducing the emission of green house gases.
Smoke-Free Cooking:
Solar cooking can save a great amount of time, work and fuel. Smoke-free cooking is possible with the help of solar energy, making it an environment-friendly resource. Solar cookers help in combating the growing shortage of fuel in today's world. It can also prevent many water-borne diseases.
Preventing Infections:
Solar screens are the shades that cover the entire length of the window. They absorb and reflect the sun's rays and do not let the rays penetrate through the window. They reduce glare in the house. Infections can be avoided as the shades protect you from having direct contact with the sun's rays inside your house.
Powering Bulbs:
Solar energy can also be used to power bulbs at night. With solar lighting, you can keep your house lit up even when there is power outage. Solar energy can power many different lighting requirements such as indoor lights, walkway lights, security lights, hand-held lanterns and flashlights. Many outdoor solar lights have darkness sensors and so they turn on/off automatically. You can even decorate your garden with these solar lights.
Running Electronic Goods:
Solar energy can also be used to charge batteries, mobile phones etc. Solar powered air conditioners are one of the cost-effective solutions to keep your house cool. Solar energy also helps in providing electricity to the TV, fan, computer, stereo, refrigerator and water pump. It is also used to power watches, calculators etc.
Solar power is non-polluting and requires very little maintenance. When you have surplus power, you can even sell it to the local power company by connecting the solar panel to a grid through a special 'power meter'. This process is called as 'Net metering'. This added advantage gets you additional income as well.
