12 Ways Solar Power Can Be Used in 2024

Solar Power is becoming more and more popular, accessible and affordable.

Advance in renewable technology, especially Solar Power, has created a suitable alternative energy source that can be harnessed to power many different everyday applications, thereby decreasing energy costs, creating a means to live a different lifestyle and of course, reducing your carbon footprint.

Technology is constantly being researched and updated to bring more efficient and more affordable products to the market.

#1 Solar Panels

These are the traditional Solar Panels which are installed on the roof of your house and absorb the suns rays and converts this sunlight into DIrect Current (DC) energy, this energy then travels to an Inverter in the house which converts this energy into Alternating Current (AC) which then powers all the electrical items in the house.

As energy prices have increased considerably there is now more of a demand for solar energy.

You can use this energy your solar panels generate thereby reducing your electricity bills.  Some countries have schemes whereby any excess electricity generated is pumped back into the national energy grid and you get paid for this excess energy.

You will need a predominantly south facing diagonal roof to place the panels to catch the most rays, however, a flat roof is still possible, though more costly, and if not south facing, you may need panels on both sides of the roof if it is east/west facing.

There are 3 types of Solar Panel cells

• Polycrystalline
• Monocrystalline
• Thin Film

Polycrystalline are used widely in residential properties, Monocrystalline are the oldest and most developed typically used on smaller roofs as this affords greater efficiency.  Thin film solar panels are lighter and therefore typically used on larger projects such as commercial or listed buildings.

#2 Solar Air Conditioning Units

Solar Air conditioning is best suited for environments that get very hot and humid and require a lot of air conditioning.

A stand alone Solar Air conditioning unit is a good investment for those homeowners who live in a house with a small roof  or appartment.

There are 3 types of AC units

• DC solar air conditioner – can be used off grid. Does not require an inverter.
• AC solar air conditioner – Can be used in conjunction with the existing power grid.
• Hybrid solar air conditioner – Use a combination of electricity from the power grid to run the units fans and solar power to reduce the cooling costs by running the compressor.

#3 Portable Solar Panels

An ideal solution for travellers to charge items such as smart phones, tablets and laptops when traditional power sources are not available.

Portable solar panels are ideal for camping and backpacking.   There are shapes and sizes for all types, whether for an RV van or in a tent.

#4 Solar Lighting

For Home use, Solar lights need very little set up or installation, no need for wiring and installation to an electricity supply, just the sun.  They need very little maintenance, just minimal cleaning.

Solar Lighting can be used in the garden or in the home, as deck lights, porch lights, path lights, pond lights, flood lights, fence lights, list goes on.

There are a variety of styles, shapes and sizes.

#5 Solar Transport

Solar power for transport is limited by the number of panels that can be fitted onto  vehicles but  technology is advancing to harness the energy emitted from the sun to enable more efficient and practical methods of using transport on land, sea and air.

There are some very interesting transport innovations some of which are being used and others which could soon be seen on roads.

Buses in various countries, such as Australia, China and The Netherlands are already using solar power, however these buses do not have solar panels fitted, but are charged at the depot.

We are a long way from using solar energy  on passenger and freight planes due to the technical challenges this imposes, though companies like Airbus are looking into this technology. In 2015 – 2016, Solar Impulse 2, a solar energy powered airplane flew around the world, purely on solar energy.

Boats are increasingly being manufactured with solar power in mind, or can be modified as a DIY project by the owner.  Solar panels on boats have the advantages of being cost effective compared to diesel, they are far more environmentally friendly with reduced levels of noise pollution that disturbs marine life.

Cars have become the most popular modes of transport for the masses in the last few decades, and with that comes the problems of pollution from petrol(gas) and diesel engines, solar powered cars are one solution to this .

With efficient batteries and engine management strategies, solar powered  cars could soon be common place.

#6 Off Grid Solar Power

An off grid solar system is designed to work where there is no mains connection to the grid so if you live remotely chances are that you will want an off grid system.

Off grid set ups allow you to live remotely, whether it is in a RV, barge, boat or a remote house,, cabin, converted shipping container etc.

Off grid solar system means that you are free from utility bills, there is a positive environmental impact and a more energy conscious lifestyle .

#7 Charging Batteries

A battery bank is a good way to store electrical energy. Solar PV panels generate direct current. This current can be used to charge a battery or a battery bank using a charge controller. The charge controller ensures that the batteries don’t get overcharged or discharged. Thus helping you keep your battery bank safe.

#8 Solar Water Heating

A great way to cut down on your energy use is by using solar energy to heat or warm water.

Solar water heaters use the heat energy from the sun, converting it into thermal energy to heat water. They can replace the traditional expensive gas & electric water heaters in your house.

There are two types of solar water heater systems:

• Active Water Heater Systems
• Passive Water Heater Systems

Active Solar Water Heater Systems

Also called solar domestic hot water heaters or thermal solar systems, unlike the passive systems, which have no moving parts, they can be more expensive but more efficient in certain situations. There are two types of active systems: Open Loop (Direct) and Closed Loop (Indirect)

Passive Water Heater Systems

Passive hot water solar system uses a natural circulation method instead of mechanical pumps. Thus they are cheap and less efficient as compared to active water heater systems.

Passive solar water heating is a simple, reliable, and cost-effective method of harnessing the sun’s energy to provide for the energy needs of your home and business.

Passive Solar hot water systems supply an average 80-90% of a household annual water heating needs. With nearly 1/3 of the average electric bill devoted to heating water, a solar hot water system is the best choice and smart investment you can make for your house and for the environment. Energy savings will pay for the system in as little as three to five years.

The Passive Solar Water Heater is a self-sufficient system. Independent of electricity, it gives you the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your water heating bills will not increase. It also allows you to enjoy hot water even during black-outs.

#9 Swimming Pool Solar Heating

If you are lucky enough to own a swimming pool, then a solar pool heater is a cost effective and environmentally friendly way of heating your swimming pool using renewable energy from the sun.

The solar heating system works by collecting the energy from the sun with solar panels.  The water from the pool is pumped through the filter to remove debris and is then passed through the solar collector where it is heated before being returned to the pool.

Another alternative is to use a Solar Pool cover which works by preventing water evaporation and by trapping solar radiation like a greenhouse and can increase your pools temperature by an estimated 6 to 8 degrees C. 

#10 Solar Water Pumps

In many parts of the world, unreliable or nonexistent electricity means that accessing clean water is a challenge. Solar power can be a reliable and sustainable solution to pump water from wells, lakes, ponds for drinking, irrigation, and other uses. A solar well pump can be powered by a small solar panel and battery system, making it a cost-effective option for off-grid communities.

Solar water pumps have been used in rural Africa for many years with great success. They are now becoming more popular in the United States as well, with systems being installed on both private and public lands.

One major benefit of using solar power to pump water is that it eliminates the need for fossil fuels or electricity, which can be expensive and unreliable in rural areas. Solar water pumps also have low environmental impact, as they do not produce emissions or require energy inputs from other sources.

#11 Crypto Currency Mining

One way to reduce the cost of bitcoin crypto mining is by using solar power. Solar energy is free once you have installed the necessary equipment, making it a more affordable option than traditional forms of electricity.

Solar powered cryptocurrency mining is becoming increasingly popular due to the high costs of traditional methods. By using solar power, miners can significantly reduce their operating costs, which makes it more profitable to mine cryptocurrencies.

#12 Video Security Cameras

Most solar powered security cameras come with a built-in rechargeable battery, so you don’t have to worry about running out of power during an important event. Additionally, many solar powered security cameras also include motion sensors that will activate the camera when movement is detected. This can be a great feature for keeping an eye on your property when you’re not home.

Conclusion

In conclusion, solar power is a great resource that can be used in many ways. It is a renewable energy source that is environmentally friendly and helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Solar power is also a great way to save money on energy costs. There are many ways to use solar power, and it is a technology that is constantly evolving. There are many benefits to using solar power, and I hope more people will consider using it in the future.

However, an obstacle to overcome, is the efficiency of this technology, great strides have been made and barriers overcome, but still more can be done so that we can live in a world where we are less reliant on fossil fuels and more on solar power.