Solar Panel Applications

The image of a large, dark-blue panel atop a rooftop supplying solar-powered electricity is now familiar. Though relatively few homes have them, thousands of magazine stories have been written over the past 30 years accompanied by photos depicting them. Because of their relative rarity, such systems have become regarded as ‘the wave of the future’, with that future always just out of reach. The sticking points are always cost and efficiency.

But there are dozens of cost-effective solar-panel applications available today.

Lawn lights are a popular example. They come in the form of stakes about a foot long with lights mounted on the stake. On the top of the light are small solar panels. They don’t generate much power, but not much is needed for them to do the job. They can be quickly placed anywhere since they require no wires. They can last for years without any maintenance since they use no batteries and the bulbs are ultra-long lasting.

Calculators that are purely solar powered have been in use for decades now. But that same technology has recently been expanded to encompass laptops. Though they don’t currently generate enough power to run a standard hard drive or monitor, solar power has been combined with new inventions to make that unnecessary. They use something called organic cells.

A standard solar cell uses layered wafers of silicon doped with phosphorus. But other elements and more complex molecules are also subject to the photoelectric effect. Many organic molecules will shoot off electrons when struck with light. They’re not currently as efficient, but they make up for it by being flexible and super cheap. They can be incorporated into certain inexpensive plastic alloys.

That makes it possible to make an affordable keyboard or monitor that can be folded or rolled-up. With this technology, it’s possible to roll up a computer like a newspaper and tuck it in your pocket. Then, it’s unrolled when you want to use it and powered by the available light.

There are yet many more applications that can be powered by a solar system. One common use is electrical fencing. Whether you need to power a dog retainer system or a cattle barrier, low voltage systems are often used to keep animals in check. A small stun doesn’t harm, but it’s often enough to keep them from wandering outside the perimeter. Many can jump over standard fencing, but electrifying the system discourages the attempt.

Powered boats, like cars, have batteries that start the engine and power small electrical devices when the motor is off. But those batteries need to be recharged after use. In the usual case, the running motor recharges the battery, putting back the power needed to start it.

But, clearly, the fact that battery chargers exist means that method doesn’t always work. However, when you’re out on the water, and in many cases even when you’re near the shore, it’s difficult or impossible to use a standard charger. Electrical outlets aren’t universal in docks and nowhere on the water. A solar-powered charger can come in handy just when you need it most.

That same charger can recharge the battery in your RV just as easily. But beyond that emergency use, a solar-powered system can be useful for an RV in lots of ways.

Many times an RV is stationary, with its motor off. Some have generators to power the RV at those times. But generators are noisy and consume gasoline or diesel, producing foul smelling fumes. Not exactly what you want when you’re outdoors enjoying the fresh air. A solar power system can supply at least part of the energy needed. It can run a radio; power a DVD and/or TV, or a small refrigerator.

Electricity generation isn’t the only possible application either. Water heating is a popular home-oriented application for solar power.

Small parabolic dishes can be used to focus the sun’s energy into a small area. That energy is then transmitted to a water storage system. Not all such systems are solely for inside the house either. The hot water supplied can be used to bathe the dogs outside or provide an alternative to washing the car with cold water.

In fact, any kind of washing chore is usually easier with warm water and water from the hose gets cold quickly. A solar heating system can provide a reservoir of warm water to wash the exterior of the windows, supply a sink in the garage and other uses around the house and garage.

Solar systems today are more efficient and lower cost than ever. They provide freedom from dependence on the utility companies for all your electrical and hot water needs. That makes them a good deal.