Objects Which Use Solar Energy
- Photovoltaic cells are often mounted on rooftops to provide homes with electricity.Solar panels on roof image by kuhar from Fotolia.com
Solar energy is a natural resource with almost no impact on the environment and an energy source that will never run out as long as humans are in existence. Technology has progressed considerably over the decades concerning the use of solar energy in objects we use everyday. While there is still a lot of work to be done to enable us to use solar power for some important applications, there are several ways that are available to us today that will reduce our use of fossil fuels and the negatives attached to them. - One of the objects that put solar energy to good use is the pool heater. Heat is the easiest function for solar energy. Solar pool heaters typically lay on the pool's surface, floating on top of the water and trapping direct sunlight and then distributing the energy as heat throughout the water.
While sunlight will naturally make this transition by shining directly on the water, the solar pool cover and heater will make the water warmer and will hold the heat longer. This is especially useful for swimming in the early or late season as the weather begins to cool. - Solar lighting is available in self-contained units. The most common type of solar lighting is the outdoor landscaping lights that collect energy though solar cells in the top of the lamp and use the stored energy to power the lights during dark hours.
Many people use these lights as a way to illuminate their patios or walkways. There are even floating versions of solar lights that come in different colors that can be placed in swimming pools or ponds to light up the water for decorative purposes. - Photovoltaic cells, or PV cells, are not used as widely as they could be. These panels are often seen mounted on the roofs of houses and are used to convert sunlight into electricity for a variety of purposes. The cells are very small but can be hooked together to form large panels capable of creating significant levels of electrical current. The intensity of sunlight in a particular area, its duration in contact with the cells and the demands of the consumer are all determining factors on how many panels are needed for a particular task, according to the U.S. Department of Energy website.
While PV cells can combine to provide a home with all of its energy needs, including hot water heaters, washers and dryers, lights, heating and cooling and much more, there are also consumer devices that contain small PV cells that provide just enough power for the unit. Calculators and watches are among the common objects that PV cells can operate easily.
