The sun is one of the main sources of life on Earth; it produces heat and light, which are vital for the survival of many living organisms, and are also used for various applications in our day-to-day life.
By putting the sun’s energy to practical use, you can save a lot of money and simultaneously reduce your carbon footprint. On that note, here are 7 of the most effective ways to use the sun’s energy.
1. Heat Water
The use of solar energy to heat water is gaining traction. In fact, a lot of households in regions with maximum sun exposure are using solar energy to heat water during winters and saving money on reduced bills. New water heating systems are powered on solar energy to heat water that the entire family can consume. The new technology also allows the heaters to warm up water within a jiffy, thereby reducing the time as well. The same application is slightly tweaked to heat swimming pools in colder regions.
2. Grow Your Food
The sun’s energy can be used to produce organic, healthy, and fresh produce at the comfort of your home. Needless to say, plants, fruits, herbs, and vegetables need sunlight to grow. You can grow a myriad of fruits and vegetables such as salad greens, apples, tomatoes, raspberries, peppers, etc. Build a greenhouse in your garden and plant your edibles to get fresh food throughout the year. When constructing your greenhouse, use materials that absorb and pass rays for your plants to grow. In this way, you get to optimize the Sun’s energy to help your plants grow better.
3. Power Your House
One of the most useful applications of solar energy in generating electricity. Solar panels can generate enough electricity to power your entire house, which is why they are becoming increasingly popular in many households across the world. Australia is one of the eco-conscious countries that use solar energy to its maximum capacity. If you live in Brisbane, you are in luck, as you can find plenty of solar power Brisbane experts who can help you calculate your energy needs and handle the entire installation process for you. Even though it demands some initial investment, the reduced bills that come with solar power will make up for it in the long run. Moreover, the money you spend is a one-time payment that can generate passive income down the line.
4. Design Your New House
Homeowners residing in colder regions can take advantage of sunlight by designing a passive solar home that retains maximum heat from the sun and reduces heaters’ dependency. For instance, let sunlight enter your house by constructing south-facing window openings. Similarly, use special construction materials to build a thermal mass and insulate your house using the trapped heat. Furthermore, penetration of sunlight can also reduce dependency on artificial lighting. Consult your architect to know more ways to use the sun’s energy and light to design your new house.
5. Disinfect Drinking Water
Solar energy can be used to kill harmful bacteria and microbes that contaminate your drinking water. This reduces the chances of falling ill and developing serious health issues. The water you access through your tap is used for various day-to-day activities such as cooking, bathing, drinking, washing, etc. This makes it even more important to disinfect it before use. Transfer the water in plastic bottles and place them under sunlight. This treatment will prevent diarrheal diseases and kill harmful microbes, thereby making the water fit for consumption.
6. Generate Power for Your Car
Several car companies are designing vehicles that rely completely on solar energy. Around 2,000 kWh of energy is needed to drive around 16,000 kilometers, which a two-kilowatt PV system can easily generate. You need to pay for the initial cost of installing the solar panel, after which the energy generated can be used for free.
You can also use solar PV chargers that keep your devices charged, especially when you are unable to find power outlets. These portable chargers are powered by solar energy and come in the form of small cells.
7. Dry Clothes
Running the dryer every alternate day can result in long bills, which can turn out to be very expensive in the long run. Instead, switch to the alternative of drying your clothes using the sun’s light. It is not only free but also effective. More importantly, sunrays kill harmful microbes on your clothes and remove odor, making it a natural disinfectant.
If you live in regions that experience maximum sun exposure, you should definitely use the sun’s energy to your advantage. Not only does it reduce your utility costs, but it also helps you take an eco-friendly step to save the environment. Since several companies specialize in using and converting solar energy to accessible power, you can put the sun’s energy to proper and practical use. You need to research to learn more about the different solar PV systems available on the market to choose the best one for your needs.
