The likes of wind turbine power, hydro power, bio-fuel and a vast range of other possible energy sources have been in development for quite some time, however are not in common use. Energy produced from the likes of the Snowy Hydro scheme, or the massive wind turbine farms in Goulburn or Blayney play a small part in energy generation. However, for the most part many of us still rely on coal produced electricity to turn on our lights, heat our homes or cook our food.

One energy source that is growing in use is solar panels, and you would be surprised at just how many areas of our everyday lives it can already be applied to — or is already in use.

1. Small items and gadgets
Think about it. How many times have you picked up a dual powered calculator? Ironically used a solar powered torch? Taken a solar shower camping? Solar power is all around us, and has been used for decades to power some of the small gadgets we use every day. Items like calculators use dual energy — solar and battery — so you can conserve the energy in the small battery for when it’s really needed, and for the most part, use solar energy to operate the device.

Traditionally camping is an activity that is undertaken off the grid away from energy sources and from other people. For years avid campers have relied on solar power and heat from fire to power conveniences they would otherwise leave at home. Everything from radios to showers, generators and fridges can rely on solar energy to make your camping experience more enjoyable. Think about it — you’ve probably relied on solar energy much more than you realize.

2. The pool
The backyard pool, and even the local community pool have been long-time users of solar energy. Retaining some warmth in water temperature can mean the difference between a three month swimming season in some areas, and a six month one. Cheaper options for using the sun without any high-tech tools simply involve a blanket over the pool in the evenings to reduce heat loss through the night. Nowadays, it is not uncommon to see solar panels near the pool that actively produce energy to actually warm the pool, as opposed to just retaining the sun’s natural heating of the water.

3. The car
It might be an odd thought, cars operating on the energy of the sun, but it has been a popular idea for years, and one that manufacturers are working on. While it is not common to see a solar car driving around, small solar functions are becoming more and more common, such as solar panels on the roof that are designed to produce energy that will cool down the car before you get in it. Imagine — using the sun to cool down your hot car!

4. Water
Solar heated water is increasingly common, especially in rural areas and in the likes of Canada. This form of heating not only reduces energy bills, but provides a constant service that is environmentally friendly.

5. The home
A more common idea, is the use of solar panels for your home, in place of, or to compliment electricity. The Australian government saw the value in this alternative and encouraged it through subsidies in installation costs, and despite a change in policy, the use of solar power is becoming an increasingly attractive option for households struggling with growing energy bills.

Related posts:

1. Solar Power for your Home – What do you Need?
2. The Path to Parity – The Evolution of Solar Technology
3. Solar Pool Lights Make Evenings More Memorable

A quick internet search will show that, not only are the solar landscape accent lights very popular, but there are a lot of other types as well. We see motion sensing solar lights, spot lights, outdoor flood lights, commercial perimeter lighting, and many others. In fact, some cities are even upgrading street lights to solar power.  It is also possible to have indoor solar lights and solar skylights!

Not long ago, solar technology was such that it was not practical for use with many lighting applications. The solar cells just couldn’t hold enough juice to keep the lights lit for very long. Great advancements have since been made in solar technology facilitating the use of solar security lights, solar post lights, solar flood lights, etc. These advancements include the increased use of nickel cadmium batteries to store the energy collected from the solar cells and LED lights that put out more illumination and use much less energy than more tradition forms of lights.

So what are the benefits of using solar lights as opposed to more traditional lighting solutions? The most obvious advantage would be that they use a free, renewable source of energy – the Sun. Yes, the batteries do need to be replaced every couple of years or so, but if you compare the cost of the batteries to the cost of the electricity you will save, you will find that the savings is significant. The carbon footprint on our environment is also much, much smaller.

Another big advantage to using solar lights is that each light is its own self contained unit. That means that if you have a set of lights, and one of the lights fails, the rest of the lights continue to operate. If the power to your home is interrupted, your solar lights continue to function. You also don’t have to worry about running wires from one light to the next to a power source – they are wireless lights!

As you can see there are many uses for and benefits to going with solar lights. Please check back often for more in depth articles about the improving technology, uses for, and benefits of going with solar lights. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or topics you would like covered. Our next topic will be outdoor solar lights.

Related posts:

1. The Benefits Of Solar Lights
2. Industrial Solar Lighting
3. Hybrid Solar Lighting – the Future of Solar Lights