From Guest Blogger Lana Hawkins: Solar Energy Use–Six Ways You Can Use Solar Power
Mankind has embarked on a millennial long search for the perfect energy source when our ancestors learned how to rub two stones together to ignite fire. Several thousand years’ worth of carbon emissions later, we might be closer to the answer than ever before. “What you need is right in front of you, you just have to open your eyes and see it,” and with the prospects of solar energy literally dawning on mankind, this old saying has never been more true.
Image source: crestchd.org.in
However, just as we are discovering the exciting possibilities of going green, we have to remember that we are in a race against time. Our entire infrastructure is depending on depleting resources, and if we don’t want to come to a screeching halt, we’ll have to turn to the sunlight fast.
Why the solar power? Well, the answer is easy – it’s one of the most elegant renewable resources with many potential applications.
Heating
By association, the first thing that comes to mind when we think about the sun is the heat of its rays. Sunrooms (solar rooms) and sun-heated tubes are only some of the well-known and archaic methods to heat water and air. With today’s technology, and installation of solar panels, the process becomes much easier and faster.
Electricity
Solar energy can power both your home and your yard. The best way to use it to its full potential is to cover your roof with solar panels that will collect solar energy and turn it into electricity. Of course, the charging can only be done half a day, so you’ll have to install something in the ballpark of 3kW solar system for an average home. Of course, for larger households, a 5kW system is recommended.
Cooking
Believe it or not, you can use basic items that every household has to create an effective solar oven. Just take a box, a cooking bag, aluminum foil, throw in some isolation material (Styrofoam is an accessible choice) and duct tape to keep it all together. Put a cooking pan in it and throw in a thermometer (completely optional) to keep track of heat, and you’ll be saving up on those electrical bills in no time.
Charging
The topic of solar-powered electricity brings us to this crucial issue. As you have only half a day to charge up your batteries, it’d be advisable to do at least some of the in-depth research of the panels and how they work. The thing is, this method can also be applied to mobile objects like watches, flashlights and maybe even cell phones.
Ventilation
Just think about it. Warm air moves up, cold air stays down. With this principle, and some solar powered fans, you could have that stale odor or strong food smell propelled out of your home without having to utilize AC units that literally devour electricity.
Transportation
At the moment, it’s a matter of fierce speculation among scientists and giants in the car industry. The idea of a solar-powered car is an enticing one for the people that are, due to their healthy conscience, planning to go green. The reduction of carbon emission and the complete conversion of the production line unfortunately still sound too utopian, but the probability of us eventually getting there is increasing.
Conclusion
Even though humanity has done a fair share of damage to our only home, it’s never too late to go green. After mindlessly wasting so much earthly resources, it’s ironic and bittersweet we are turning to something that has the same properties as the sparks between the two rocks in the hands of a caveman. It appears the answer was in the flames this whole time.
