Do you know what solar energy is used for? This new technology is in the spotlight of climate change solutions, but before considering, you can verify solar panel benefits and main uses.
What are the main uses of solar energy?
When we talk about photovoltaic systems, it is common to wonder how solar energy can be harnessed.
In this sense, we know that it can be generated in your own home, in your commercial establishment or industry, but there are several ways of using this renewable and clean energy source.
The use of solar energy can be done in several situations: in water heating for industrial or residential use, in water pumping in rural areas, and in electricity generation, helping to reduce the electricity bill through photovoltaic solar energy.
What are 5 uses of solar energy?
Solar energy today works just like any other energy source. The power from solar energy plates can power your home, office or building. Uses of solar energy are:
- 1 Recharging electronic appliances (cell phone, computer, television)
- 2 Recharging household appliances (refrigerator, dishwasher)
- 3 Public lighting
- 4 Electrification of fences
- Collective use systems, such as schools, hospitals, and community centers.
Solar energy can be widely used for lighting public spaces, such as squares, streets and highways. The use of solar panels can save a lot of money on electricity bills, being 95% cheaper. It is also a great ally in the fight against climate change.
Recharging electronic devices with solar panels
The advancement of technology brings solar energy applications closer and closer to the user. A good example of this are the solar batteries used to charge electronic equipment, such as cell phones.
Coming to the market at very attractive prices, solar chargers are portable and easy to use. In practice, they work like conventional electricity banks. The big difference is that instead of charging it using the outlet, charging is done with sunlight.
Operation of domestic appliances
Solar energy has many applications within a household, the most common of which is the use of household appliances.
By using the energy generated by the sun, household appliances will not show a change in performance, and will function as expected.
Photovoltaic energy can be applied to kitchen appliances, such as blenders and mixers; in the living room, to televisions and stereos; and also in bedrooms, powering air conditioners, fans, light fixtures, and more.
Street lighting
Photovoltaics can be a good solution for municipalities and governments that want to create more sustainable urban environments.
In addition, the application of photovoltaic systems in public lighting can mean lower taxes for the population, after all, the useful life of photovoltaic systems is long and their maintenance costs are low.
Fence electrification
This is a solution that can be useful for both homes and businesses.
The energy consumption of an electric fence alone is not that high, but photovoltaics can help maximize savings and maintain security.
Systems for collective use
The use of photovoltaic systems can also help cut supply costs for buildings intended for community services, such as schools, health centers, and public centers.
Solar thermal energy
Solar thermal energy can be used in industries, using its vapor to drive turbines and generate electricity, as well as to produce iron and steel.
In your home, thermal energy can be a great ally to supply hot water. Check out some uses below:
- Heating water for bathing;
- Heating water for cooking food;
- Generation of energy for industries;
- Iron and steel production.
Heating water for bathing
Through the application of a heat absorption system, it is possible to heat different surfaces within a residence.
One of the most popular uses for this application is the heating of water for bathing.
This process allows homeowners to save electricity by heating water directly with the heat of the sun.
Heating water for cooking food
Similarly, water can also be heated for use in the kitchen during the cooking process.
For this, a pipe structure will be needed for heat propagation, in addition to a reservoir capable of preserving the temperature.
Energy generation for industries
Heat is an essential part of many industrial processes. For this, there are thermosolar energy solutions that can optimize energy consumption by generating heat.
This heat can be used to heat water, air, or other surfaces.
Among the industries that benefit most from the application of this technology are textile and food processing.
Iron and steel production
The steel industry can also reap the rewards of using solar thermal energy in their operations.
This can even be a solution applied to give more sustainability to this industrial sector.
Advantages of solar energy
Here you can find 14 solar panel advantages:
- Solar energy does not pollute, is renewable, clean and sustainable
- Alternative energy to oil
- Solar energy is silent
- Photovoltaic solar energy is the cheapest self-generation system
- Minimum maintenance requirement
- Easy to install and cheap to maintain
- Lifespan of more than 25 years, paying for itself in up to 7 years
- Savings of up to 95% of the electricity bill
- Falling prices due to the advancement of technology
- Occupies little space and adds value to the property
- Solar panels are weather resistant
- Can be used in areas isolated from the electric grid
- Photovoltaic equipment can be recycled
Disadvantages of Solar Energy
Here are the most common disvantages of solar energy
- High acquisition cost
- Does not generate energy at night
- Anti-islanding system
Advantages of solar panels
The advantages of solar panels are: its low environmental impact, its simple installation, its low cost in relation to its useful life (more than 25 years), and the fact that it can be used as a substitute for conventional electric energy in regions that do not yet have distribution.
Solar panels is one of the most sustainable in the world, being renewable and clean, since it neither emits pollutants nor uses raw materials scarce in nature.
Photovoltaic energy also contributes to the reduction of noise pollution. Its operation is silent and discreet, avoiding the production of unpleasant noises.
This type of energy generation system also does not require exhaustive maintenance, only occasional cleaning. In addition, its raw material – the sun’s luminosity – is inexhaustible and free.
Solar panels for home can last up to 25 years, paying for themselves in just seven. The savings provided can reach up to 95% of the total electricity bill, making this a very smart investment that also contributes to the appreciation of the property.
A property with solar energy increases in value by 4 to 6%, according to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
Solar panels are also a good option for homes in isolated, off-grid areas. Off-grid systems use the aid of batteries to store the energy captured by the plates, ensuring power supply even on rainy days or at night.
Photovoltaic systems are also sustainable in their disposal, since they can be recycled with an efficiency of up to 97%.
