Climate change has made us rethink the energy sources we use, in order to minimize our environmental footprint. Fossil fuels, currently the main source of energy, are one of the most polluting elements for the environment, from their extraction to the end of their useful life. For this reason, in recent years attempts have been made to extend the uses of solar energy, since the advantages it offers over other sources make it one of the most sustainable bets.

How does solar energy work?

Taking advantage of solar energy means taking advantage of the radiation that comes from the sun to transform it and make it usable by human beings. This is done through thermal and electrical energy, with which most of our daily needs can be covered.

solar thermal energy is produced thanks to solar collectors that capture radiation to transform it into heat. This is transported through circuits that have a heat transfer liquid or solar fluid, and takes it to other components of the system. Its main objective is to raise the temperature of the water for daily use, but it can also work for space heating.

For its part, photovoltaic solar energy is obtained through panels made up of silicon cells that transform light into electricity. In this case, there is no heat production stage, but rather the energy generated goes directly to satisfy domestic demand or complement the electricity grid.

Main uses of solar energy at home

Electrical supply

Generating electricity at home is perhaps the most important application of solar energy. In this way it is possible to illuminate the place and cover the energy requirements of all the devices that are in it. This reduces or eliminates dependency on the traditional grid, which is a crucial step on the road to a self-sustaining home.

Heating

It is another of the main uses of solar energy, especially in colder times. It is done through solar collectors installed outside the houses or buildings. The heat obtained can be used constantly to generate hot water and as a source of general heating, and even to heat swimming pools. However, there is the option to store it and use it only at specific times.

Room cooling

During hot days the energy of the sun can also be used to cool the rooms. As is logical, the process is not direct as in the case of heating, but rather radiation is transformed into electrical energy to power air conditioners, fans and other equipment.

Portable Generation

Taking advantage of solar energy is not limited to homes or businesses with expensive photovoltaic installations. Instead, today there are portable generatorscapable of capturing, storing and distributing it through different outlets such as AC or USB connections. In this way it is possible to transfer energy everywhere and power electrical devices regardless of location.

The advantages of solar energy

The expansion that the use of solar energy has had in recent years is not by chance, but rather due to the advantages it offers compared to other more traditional forms:

• No carbon footprint: its production does not imply the emission of polluting gases that accumulate in the atmosphere, so it does not have a negative impact on the ozone layer.

• No waste: there are no solid or gaseous products that require a specific use for their disposal, as is the case with coal, gasoline or biomass.

• Renewable and sustainable: it depends on an inexhaustible natural source: the sun. This is not only very efficient, but it does not compromise the resources of future generations. In addition, we are talking about a free raw material that is available to everyone, although with variations in availability.

• Respectful with biodiversity: other renewable energies, such as wind or tidal power, affect birds and the fish, respectively, while the solar does not impact the fauna in any way.

• Investment in the future: although the installation involves a significant initial outlay, having photovoltaic panels becomes a long-term electricity saving, especially if we consider the rises in the cost of electricity.

• Jobs: its boom becomes a source of employment in various sectors, from engineering to residential services, which drives local economic development.

• Safety: it does not represent any risk to health, as happens with hydrocarbons or nuclear energy. Although radiation is the initial source, it is transformed and never comes into direct contact with humans.

The uses of solar energy are increasingly varied and flexible, both in the domestic, industrial and commercial spheres. This is because it is an ecological, sustainable alternative with enormous development potential. That is why all the advances made in this matter are not surprising, since betting on it now is anticipating the future.

Get your Bluetti power station now (AC200P & 1xPV350)!