The 5 Most Common Uses of Solar Energy
The use of Solar energy has grown at a 33 percent yearly growth on average over the last ten years. There are more than 130.9 gigawatts (GW) of solar utility-scale countrywide, sufficient to generate electricity for 23 million homes because of robust national policies like the solar Investment Tax Credit, steadily declining expenses, and rising demand for sustainable electricity across the private and public sectors.
Falling prices are driving solar growth. Over the last decade, the cost of installing solar has dropped by more than a 60percent, allowing the sector to penetrate new markets and distribute many systems across the nation. A typical residential system has fallen from a pre-incentive cost of $40,000 in 2010 to around $20,000. In contrast, utility-scale prices have recently ranged from $16/MWh to $35/MWh, making it financially viable with all other electricity sources.
Who Uses Solar Energy?
- Homeowners
Whether you own or rent, solar can power your home's energy requirements, such as lighting, heating, computers, and appliances. Solar has numerous advantages for homeowners, including; Cutting costs by reducing or eliminating electricity bills, providing reliability during fluctuating electric rates, reducing greenhouse gas emissions to help make your residents cleaner and safer, and obtaining national, state, and municipal tax breaks for qualifying solar projects. Solar generators also serve as a reliable backup during home power outages.
- Off-grid living enthusiasts
An off-grid solar panel uses solar panels, battery storage, and other devices to power a site that is not connected to the power grid. It has many applications, including powering campsites, RVs, boats, remote cabins, and family homes. Off-grid living enthusiasts should make use of the benefits it provides.
- RVers and campers
Many RVers and campers use gas generators, while a few use natural gas generators. Nevertheless, there are several advantages to switching to solar energy instead. You may want to supplement your generator with solar panels for many reasons. But first, consider the seven advantages of RV solar energy power: cost savings, safety, improved security, reduced ecological footprint, and weight and space-saving.
- Backup power users
Battery backup solar PV systems operate similarly to standard generators, with the additional benefit of powering your home with clean, sustainable energy during the day.
Other benefits of the solar-powered Battery backup system include:
- The battery system qualifies for the federal tax credit. Lithium-ion batteries are safe, dependable, and necessitate no repairs;
- Before, during, and after power failures, the solar inverter charges the battery with clean, free solar power, and an insightful app that is compatible with any personal electrical gadget or home computer makes it possible to monitor your living area's power consumption and solar generation using an internet-intelligent energy management system.
Uses of Solar Energy
Solar electricity, solar water heating, solar heating, solar ventilation, solar lighting, portable solar (for personal electronic devices), and solar transportation are all applications of solar energy (for electric vehicles). Also, Solar photovoltaics (PV) for electricity, solar heating and cooling (SHC), and concentrated solar power are the primary applications of solar energy (CSP).
SHC systems mainly heat or cool water and spaces (like your home). CSP systems, which primarily target utilities, use reflective gadgets to concentrate the sun's energy.
Solar Energy Applications
Solar Vehicle Transportation
Solar-powered cars could be the game changer, with existing systems such as buses, trains, airplanes, and race cars built by students in Australia and the United States. In 2019, a wholly solar-powered car will be available for purchase. Unless you possess an electric vehicle (EV) and charge it with solar panels, this application of solar energy isn't yet commonly accessible (generally via a solar-connected battery).
Portable Solar
Cell phones and tablets are always in our globalized world. Portable solar PV chargers enable us to keep our electronics charged while on the go. Solar cell integration technology has been used in watches since the 1970s. Scientists in Japan have created ultra-light, water-resistant photovoltaic panels that may be sewn into clothing.
Lighting from the Sun
Solar lights are now widely used. They can be found in various settings, including home landscaping, security lighting, road signs, and street lights. It increases natural light while decreasing energy consumption.
Solar Air conditioning
Solar air conditioning services, like solar attic fans, can help cool your household during the summer, reducing the load on your HVAC system. This could be a feasible alternative if you cannot deploy a solar PV system that negates your whole home's electricity consumption. Solar air conditioning innovations are commercial and industrial applications of solar process heat. These innovations can preheat a house's air in cold environments, lowering power bills.
Solar Water Heating
Solar energy can also be used to heat water. Most solar water heating systems generate hot water for use in the home. Solar water heaters absorb the sun's heat and transmit it to the water tank via a rooftop cell. Swimming pool heating is another solar energy application. The systems flow water to a collector, which is heated by sunlight. The heated water is then pumped back into the pool by the system.
Jackery Portable Solar Generator
The new model is superior to the old one in every way. The SolarSaga 80W solar panel and the Explorer 1000 Pro portable power station are major elements of the generator.
The Solar Generator 1000 Pro is available with two SolarSaga 80W solar panel. SolarSaga 80W has a double-side intake and is the most recent advancement in solar energy innovation.
The power station has 340 x 262 x 256 mm and weighs around 11.5 kg (25 pounds).
The generator has specialized AC ports for power input and output that generate a constant flow of electricity through pure sine waves. This implies that all links to the generator are properly secured from spikes and harm.
The Explorer 1000 Pro power station includes a cutting-edge BMS that offers precise management over every battery system and even a single cell. To avoid overheating, temperature control is also provided. The system is designed to efficiently and rapidly disintegrate extra heat, helping to make the Solar Generator 1000 Pro much safer.
They are crafted of a reflective material, increasing solar power utilization. Greatest of all, the solar generator is designed to withstand harsh conditions. It is dust and waterproof and keeps its shape even in intense rainfall.
The power station's casing is intended to be as simple and safe as possible. The explorer 1000 Pro has a super shock-resistant styling that allows it to operate flawlessly on most surfaces, irrespective of how erratic they are. You can employ this solar superpower while cruising on a rough road, and it will operate flawlessly.
Lastly, there was a lot of emphasis on making the generator as quiet as possible. The Jackery Portable Solar Generator 1000 Pro power station produces less than 46 decibels of noise when charging. In contrast, the ordinary sound intensity of a bird's call is around 44 dB, while the ordinary sound intensity of a human voice is about 115 dB.
Conclusion
Solar energy has become a game changer in the modern world and has revolutionized the energy sector by providing renewable and affordable energy. It has further become beneficial in several ways, including; reducing electricity bills, insurance against rising energy costs, cheaper power source, return on investment and being environmentally friendly. Besides just trying to explore solar energy further, you should consider acquiring one to enjoy its endless benefits.
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