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How Is Solar Energy Used? Find out about the many uses of solar energy.
How Is Solar Energy Used? The sun’s heat and light is one of the most powerful resources to touch the planet. In the last decade, many new technologies have been adapted to help us take advantage of the massive power of the sun. The sun is always with us, so it only makes sense for us to capture its power and turn it into usable solar energy. Solar technology continues to make advances, so the future of solar energy as a mainstream power source is on the way.
How is solar energy used?
Currently there are several methods used to capture and convert the sun’s massive power of heat and light. Unobstructed access to the sun is the crucial factor for optimal use of active or passive solar energy systems. Any place that you currently use energy is a viable option for converting to solar energy use.
Solar lighting especially for outdoors is very common today. Lighting walkways and other landscape is a simple matter. Most home improvement stores now offer solar powered outdoor lighting. The use of solar power doesn’t end there. Solar powered outdoor lighting is on a small portion of capturing the sun’s power for our energy.
You can use solar energy for cooking, heating and cooling your home, water heating space heating, and even total solar energy systems to generate your own electricity. From very simple to complex grid systems solar power is available to the public.
The use of solar energy to replace traditional power sources is so important you can now get federal, state, and local incentives to use solar energy on your property. For example, installing a solar system to heat your water will result in approximately a $2000 initial cost. Depending on your location, your state/country and local government may also offer incentives. In return, you’ll save thousands on your energy bills. In addition, you’ll be using energy that
doesn’t deplete natural resources and it is environ- mentally safe.
As mentioned earlier the only important factor is that you have solar access. Several communities throughout the US have developed guidelines and ordinances for solar access protection. These guidelines and ordinances prohibit structural development that could shadow solar collectors and prevent optimum performance of the solar system.
It is very important for the future of solar energy to encourage and carefully consider compatibility of landscaping, shading, and the placement of solar systems. Solar access should be protected in every way possible.
The future of using solar energy to replace traditional energy methods is bright. We can all look forward to using the “free” solar power in the future.
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