Solar energy is the energy coming from the sunrays. It works through a mechanism of collecting light and heat from the sun that is collected by solar panels and then is converted into a more useful form of energy. This solar energy when converted into other form of energy has many uses that are proved to be very cost effective. These uses can be divided into three categories for a better understanding i.e. residential, commercial and industrial.
Residential uses of solar energy have increased in recent years as it is cost effective and a practical method of making use of energy. There are number of solar power based devices available in market which are being extensively used in residential sector. It includes products like solar power heater, geezer, outdoor garden lights, battery chargers etc. These days’ entire homes can be powered by the use of solar energy. Different PV products are installed on buildings and roofs of houses such as solar roof shingles and opaque glass PV facades that collect and stores energy. The residential areas that are in sunny locations can make most of the use of these energy systems. Some solar systems are also connected to electricity grids. These systems apply electricity to the buildings. The excess energy created is exported to the grid which needs batteries to store that energy to be used at night.
Solar energy is also widely used commercially. PV (photovoltaic) systems are installed almost on every building because of their increased technology and cost effectiveness. The first commercial use of solar power was made possible in 1950 where PV cells were used to give power to U.S space satellites. Since then the solar energy has been a source of energy to give power to a number of satellites that have in built PV systems to keep them running into orbit for years and years. International space systems and orbiting space telescopes also take energy from sun which is made possible due to PV technology. Schools community halls, clinics, hospitals and other commercial sectors also benefit from solar energy.
With a continuous increase in fuel and oil and gas prices usage of solar energy has also increased in industry .It has been a favorite of many for industrial applications because solar systems are highly reliable, cost effective and require little maintenance and they are ideal for distant or isolated places as it can provide electricity at locations where there are no electricity power lines. Industries like TV stations, radio stations, repeater stations etc are making use of solar energy.
Other uses of solar energy includes installation in navigation systems runway lights, security cameras in dark, road lights, traffic warning signals, aircraft warning light structures and installation of PV systems in water pumps. In these times of increasing costs of fuels and gases solar energy is definitely a very effective method to obtain power in a natural way.