More people are aware of the importance of protecting natural resources. More sustainable practices and efforts are being developed. Switching to sustainable practices allows you to not only be environmentally friendly but also save money. Solar energy is one of these sustainable innovations.
This article is for you if you are interested in investing in solar power soon. This article explains what you need to know about solar energy and how to use it at your home.
Understanding Solar Energy
Solar energy is the heat and light emitted from the sun. The amount of sunshine varies from region to region, but it is present in every part of the world. Solar energy converts this radiation into usable energy.
Photovoltaics and solar thermal power (CSP) are two examples.
- PV Basics: You’re most likely familiar with PV through solar panels. The PV cells absorb energy from the solar panel when the sun shines. Charges move within the cell due to an internal electric field. This allows electricity to flow.
- CSP Basics: Based on the principle that sunlight is focused onto receivers, systems of CSP convert solar energy to heat, which can then be used for electricity generation or storage. This technology is mainly used in large power plants.
Benefits of using solar energy at home
Solar energy will always be available. Solar energy is a renewable resource and does not pollute the earth.
- The energy consumption of households tends to be higher during the evenings and afternoons when everyone is at home. Solar energy production peaks during these periods. Solar panels are not active at night.
- Solar panels are cost-effective and beneficial in many ways. The energy savings are modest but add up. One benefit is that your HVAC system will be less stressed. Solar panels can be used at home to power electronics and lighting.
- Solar panels are viewed as house improvements and renovations, just like a renovated kitchen or finished basement. They will, therefore, likely increase the value of your home. According to studies, solar homes can grow in value. Solar homes may sell for more money than non-solar ones, depending on the market conditions, such as electricity rates and transmission capacities.
Solar Energy Applications at Home
Solar energy can help you improve the sustainability of your home. Solar energy can also meet your daily energy needs.
Charging batteries with solar panels
A photo-electric solar panel can charge almost any gadget that uses batteries. The photo-electric panels produce direct current (DC), the same as batteries. Solar panel kits are available at a reasonable price and include connectors for charging laptops, tablets, or cell phones. You can connect different battery chargers with a simple DC-AC inverter.
Many more panels can charge more batteries. These, in turn, can power virtually any AC equipment up to and including the entire house.
Solar Lighting
Solar lighting has many advantages for both households and businesses. Solar lights are a great option for areas off-grid where electricity can be expensive, or if you wish to promote environmentally friendly energy practices. Solar lighting is a practical and cost-effective solution because it doesn’t require grid power.
Solar lights can be used in many different ways. Solar lanterns or simple LED bulbs are two examples. Other solar lights have a panel and battery integrated. Solar lighting requires minimal maintenance. Solar-powered LED lights can last for up to ten years.
Heat Water
Solar water heaters are becoming more popular due to rising electricity prices and environmental concerns. Solar panels are mounted on roofs to collect the energy of the sun. The solar water heater will heat the water for household chores such as washing clothes, utensils, and other items or showering.
Solar Ventilation
Solar ventilation can save you a lot of money in the summer. Many solar fans can help you cool your home and reduce humidity.
Attic fans are a less-known type of solar-powered rooftop ventilation unit that can also be used to cool your attic during the summer and avoid condensation in the winter. Solar-powered roof ventilation units are less well-known, but they can be used to cool your attic in the summer and prevent condensation in winter. These lesser-known attic ventilators can perform better than typical attic ventilators.
A solar-powered attic ventilator can be used to ventilate an entire house. The heat in the rest of the home can be reduced by lowering the temperature in the attic.
Solar Irrigation
Solar-powered irrigation systems are used to water plants and veggies in gardens and paddy fields. This technology is also suitable for livestock, agriculture, urban, and other purposes.
Solar PV arrays power the motors of pumps in most cases. The nominal power of a module is the peak wattage.
Solar Ovens
Solar ovens seem to be gaining popularity as home appliances. Solar ovens are slow cookers, similar to electric crockpots. The sun’s heat is transferred into the chamber by angled reflectors. In this case, fuel comes in the form of sunlight.
Solar ovens are slower to cook than conventional ovens. This helps preserve moisture in foods such as pork, beef, and baked potatoes. There may be times when the temperature fluctuates. In such cases, solar cookers may not be suitable for baking cookies. You can use a solar cooker only when necessary.
Heating Swimming pool
Solar pool heaters can reduce your pool heating costs. These heaters are considered to be cheaper than heat pumps or gas pool heaters, and they have lower operating costs. In some climates, solar energy is the most cost-effective way to use solar power.
Consider your solar resources first before purchasing and installing a system for solar pool heating. The efficiency and design are affected by the amount of sunlight that reaches the area. Solar pool heaters rely on both diffuse and direct solar radiation. Even if you do not live in a bright, hot climate such as the Southwest, there may be enough solar energy on your property.
How To Choose The Right Installer
As with any major home improvement project, do not settle for the first quote you receive. It’s best to get three to five quotes from service providers you trust to evaluate your options thoroughly. This will give you a better understanding of the average price per watt and the services offered. These are the main factors to compare when selecting an installer.
Installers should also provide services such as designing, obtaining permits, and installing solar equipment. While the installation might seem simple, it could take several weeks or even months, depending on the situation and your needs. Your contractor should inform you if it is necessary to replace the electrical panel.