Solar energy is a great alternative to conventional energy. It is clean energy that comes from an inexhaustible source: the sun. Solar energy has many benefits and uses for single-family homes, neighborhood communities, or businesses.
To do this, it is necessary to install solar panels that, through sunlight, will generate electricity. Before installing solar panels, it is essential to carry out a feasibility study. This will consider factors such as the type of property, consumption habits and your needs. After the study, experts will be able to advise you and determine how many panels you need and how the installation will be done.
Solar energy used to be affordable for only a few, but over the years its technology has been developing and improving. Today, it is much more affordable to enjoy solar energy at home and, not only is it beneficial for the environment, it also allows you to save on your electricity bill.
In this post, we will detail all the uses of solar power so you know how to take advantage of it.
What is solar energy used for?
The most common uses of solar energy are:
- Electricity and lighting. Sunlight is one of the most common uses of solar energy in everyday life.
- Transportation. Thanks to technological advances, there are transportation systems that can operate thanks to solar panels installed on the roof.
- Irrigation system. Self-irrigation with solar energy allows you to save both electricity and water.
- Air conditioning and heating. These are two of the utilities that consume the most energy in the home, and with solar energy, you can enjoy them, saving on electricity.
- Hot water. Solar energy also allows you to enjoy hot water and even a heated pool.
Solar energy can be used in a wide variety of locations. Below we detail examples of how solar energy can be used in different locations.
Uses of solar energy at home
In order to enjoy the benefits of solar energy at home, we will need to install solar panels or at least have a connection to them. Later, we will explain different options so that you can have this advantage in your home or in your neighborhood community.
But what are the main uses of photovoltaic solar energy? Is it worth consuming solar energy at home? The applications of solar energy are diverse, as we have seen, but for a private home we can highlight the following:
- Electricity. Solar panels can provide electricity for the entire house. However, it will be important to carry out a prior feasibility study to determine your consumption habits, the type of home and your energy needs. This way, you can contract and install exactly what you need, no more and no less.
- Hot water. In addition to electricity, solar panels can also provide you with hot water. Not only for bathrooms or kitchens, but also for those who want to enjoy a heated pool, so they can enjoy a nice dip all year round. You can also use solar panels for pool purification.
- Heating and air conditioning. Solar energy is transformed into thermal energy and this allows you to have heating with solar panels at home. In addition, you will not only be able to enjoy heating with solar panels in winter, you also have the option of cold cooling, so you can have solar air conditioning in summer.
- Electric mobility: Solar panels can be installed on roofs or parking lots to generate energy that is used to charge electric vehicles sustainably. This helps reduce dependence on the conventional electricity grid and tap into a clean, renewable energy source to power vehicles.
- Light. When we talk about solar energy, we can go beyond solar panels, there are also smaller and cheaper options, such as solar-powered outdoor lighting. Many light bulbs designed for outdoors have a plate that charges with sunlight, stores it and when the light stops, the bulb turns on. It is very useful to save on electricity to illuminate outdoor areas, but it is also more convenient, since it does not require an electrical line and you can install it as you like without having to worry about the connection.
Uses of solar energy in companies and businesses
One of the biggest expenses that any business has is utilities. The electricity bill, especially in the months when heating and air conditioning are used, is very high.
A great way to save energy is through the installation of solar panels , and you can enjoy their benefits not only at home, but also in your business. These are the most common uses of solar energy in companies:
- Heating. Every company needs a good heating system for the winter months, both for employees and customers. Especially in areas with very low temperatures, having a solar heating system will allow you to save up to 60% on energy.
- Solar irrigation system. This is a self-irrigation system that helps optimize water use. This system is done through water pumps that are connected to solar panels. This will be very useful for businesses focused on agriculture. In this way, we will avoid the use of diesel generators or electric pumping systems.
- Solar cooling system. Not only will it be useful to enjoy air conditioning, it is also perfect for supermarkets and businesses that have refrigerated areas. Thanks to solar energy, you can keep the entire area refrigerated, while saving money.
- Water heating. It is very useful for sports centers, laundries, restaurants or hotels. Solar heaters will absorb sunlight and transfer the absorbed heat to the water tank.
- Light. Every business needs a light source, and solar panels can provide it, saving money and protecting the environment. In fact, companies like Walmart or Ikea have had them installed on the roofs of many of their establishments for some years now, allowing them to save a lot of money on electricity.
- Transport. This use is still rare and is still being studied, but it is possible to have a solar panel system on transport such as cars, trains, buses and even entire roads. This can be very useful for automotive companies.
Advantages of using solar energy
Solar energy, as we have seen before, offers a wide variety of applications, but what are the advantages of using solar energy?
Below, I detail the benefits that make photovoltaic solar energy one of the most important options in the transition toward a cleaner and more efficient future:
- Environmental Sustainability: Greenhouse gas emissions are reduced by reducing dependence on fossil fuels. In this way, we contribute to preserving the environment and combating climate change.
- Inexhaustible Source of Energy: The sun offers an unlimited source of energy. In this way, we will be able to generate electricity continuously and sustainably.
- Energy autonomy and resilience: Solar panels are an independent source of energy, so in the event of power outages, the systems allow for a basic supply.
- Versatility and Adaptability: Solar panels can be installed almost anywhere from home rooftops to large government or commercial locations.
- Low Maintenance and Durability: Technological advances improve the efficiency and durability of the panels. They also require minimal maintenance.