Common uses of solar energy

July 15, 2024
Consumer

Solar energy is a renewable source of clean energy for our everyday lives

Solar energy is energy from the sun that is converted into heat or electricity. Solar energy is one of the cleanest renewable energy sources available to homeowners, businesses and communities. Solar panels, which convert sunlight into electricity, emit zero carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. This makes solar panels good for the environment, but they can also help people lower utility costs and be independent.

Solar can also be used to generate thermal energy, which can be used to heat water for household or commercial use. Homeowners can use solar water heaters to warm water for shower and sink faucets, appliances and even pools.

Enact Solar serves as a trusted advisor for homeowners seeking residential solar panel and home battery systems. Our software platform creates custom home solar panel systems for homeowners. Enact also helps homeowners get storage batteries and electric vehicle charging stations.

Summary

  • Solar energy is a low-cost, renewable source of clean energy that has many common applications for everyday life
  • Residential and commercial solar panel systems help households and businesses save money on utility costs and live more sustainably
  • Enact connects American homeowners with custom solar proposals and solutions, tailored to your home and needs

Why do we use Solar Energy?

People can benefit from solar energy because it harvests abundant sunlight and converts it into clean electricity. Solar technology has advanced over the past 30 years and has become accessible to American households and businesses. Sunlight is abundant and free, which makes solar energy a relatively cheap source of energy. Additionally, solar technology can create energy without emitting carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gasses.

The amount of sunlight shining down on the Earth’s surface in 90 minutes is enough to power the entire world’s energy consumption for a full year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Solar energy can be converted into electricity through solar panels or generate heat through solar radiation.

Common Uses of Solar Energy

While Enact only serves homeowners and businesses looking for solar panel and home battery solutions, there are many interesting uses of solar energy. The reason why solar energy has many applications is due to the abundance of natural sunlight. Sunlight is solar radiation from the sun that can be converted into thermal energy or electricity, making it useful in multiple settings.

Residential & Commercial Solar

Residential rooftop solar panel systems are a common use of solar energy for homeowners
Residential and commercial solar panel systems generate clean electricity from rooftop or ground mounted installations. In homes, solar panels on rooftops convert sunlight into electricity, powering appliances, lighting and HVAC systems. They also charge electric vehicles and heat water through solar water heaters. Many systems include battery storage to save excess energy for nighttime use or power outages, enhancing energy independence.

Commercial solar systems operate on a larger scale, powering office buildings, factories and other commercial spaces. Businesses also use solar to power electric vehicle charging stations and agricultural operations, such as irrigation and greenhouse lighting. Significant battery storage in commercial systems ensures stable energy supply and reduces peak demand charges.

These systems offer numerous benefits, including significant reductions in energy costs and reliance on fossil fuels, leading to financial savings and lower greenhouse gas emissions. They enhance energy security and resilience, particularly with battery storage, ensuring a reliable power supply. For businesses, using solar energy demonstrates a commitment to sustainability, improving their reputation and attracting environmentally conscious customers. Residential and commercial solar panel systems provide a clean, renewable and economically advantageous energy solution.

Solar Heating

Solar heating uses solar energy to warm air or water in homes, providing a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional heating methods. Solar collectors on the roof capture sunlight and convert it into heat, which is then circulated through the home’s heating system. This can significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lowering energy bills and reducing environmental impact. Solar heating is especially beneficial for homeowners because it provides long-term savings on utility costs, increases energy independence and can enhance property value. Additionally, it requires minimal maintenance and offers a reliable source of heat, particularly in sunny regions. By investing in solar heating, homeowners can enjoy a comfortable living environment while contributing to a greener planet.

Solar Lighting

Solar lighting uses solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity, powering outdoor lights for pathways, gardens and security. These lights store energy during the day and automatically illuminate at night. Solar lighting is beneficial for homeowners because it reduces electricity costs and eliminates the need for complex wiring. It’s an environmentally friendly option, as it relies on renewable energy and reduces carbon emissions. Installation is simple, with minimal maintenance required, making it a hassle-free solution for enhancing outdoor spaces. Solar lighting also improves home security by providing consistent, reliable illumination and increases the aesthetic appeal of outdoor areas, creating a welcoming atmosphere. By choosing solar lighting, homeowners can enjoy a cost-effective, eco-friendly and efficient way to light up their property.

Solar Ventilation

Solar ventilation uses solar energy to power fans and ventilation systems that improve air circulation in homes. These systems often include solar panels that capture sunlight to operate attic fans or whole-house ventilators. Solar ventilation is beneficial for homeowners because it helps regulate indoor temperatures, reducing the need for air conditioning and lowering energy bills. It prevents moisture buildup, reducing the risk of mold and mildew and improves indoor air quality by constantly circulating fresh air. Since solar ventilation relies on renewable energy, it reduces the home’s carbon footprint and promotes environmental sustainability. Additionally, these systems are easy to install, require minimal maintenance and can extend the lifespan of roofing materials by reducing heat buildup in the attic. By investing in solar ventilation, homeowners can enhance comfort, save on energy costs and support a greener lifestyle.

Portable Solar

Portable solar refers to small, movable solar panels and systems that can be used to generate electricity on the go. These systems are typically compact and easy to transport, making them ideal for camping, RV trips and emergency backup power. Portable solar is beneficial for homeowners because it provides a reliable source of renewable energy wherever it’s needed, reducing dependence on traditional power sources. It can charge various devices, from smartphones and laptops to small appliances, ensuring you stay connected and powered up during outdoor activities or power outages. Additionally, portable solar systems are environmentally friendly, helping to reduce carbon footprints by utilizing clean energy. They are also easy to set up and use, requiring minimal maintenance. By investing in portable solar, homeowners can enjoy energy independence, convenience and sustainability both at home and on the go.

What is Solar Energy?

What is Solar Energy?

Solar energy is power from the sun. It can be used to make electricity or heat homes. Solar panels, which are made of special materials, capture sunlight and turn it into usable energy. This energy is clean, meaning it doesn’t pollute the air or water. Solar energy is renewable, so we won’t run out of it, unlike fossil fuels like coal and oil. Using solar energy helps protect our planet and saves money on electricity bills. It’s a simple and smart way to get power from a natural and endless source: the sun.

How is Solar Energy Collected?

Solar energy is collected using solar panels, which are made up of photovoltaic cells. These cells convert sunlight directly into electricity through a process called the photovoltaic effect. When sunlight hits the cells, it creates an electric field that generates a flow of electrons, producing electricity.

Solar panels are typically installed on rooftops or in open areas where they can capture the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the day. This electricity can then be used to power homes, heating systems, or stored in batteries for later use. Solar energy is a clean and renewable source of power that reduces our dependence on fossil fuels and helps protect the environment.

Get Custom Home Solar with Enact

If you’re looking for a home solar panel system, the marketplace can be confusing. Enact empowers homeowners with custom solar proposals and a streamlined experience. Our team of knowledgeable home energy advisors use our solar design software to generate customizable proposals for your home.

To get the right design for your home, we need:

  • Your address
  • The monthly amount you pay for electricity
  • Any information about future purchasing decisions, such as an electric vehicle or solar pool

Based on your information, our advisors can create a system tailored to your home’s roof and energy needs. Enact customers get a say in their hardware options, which includes the vast majority of residential solar panel, and inverter brands on the market. Enact also connects homeowners with home battery and electric vehicle charging stations.

Once you find the proposal you like, Enact customers can choose their payment or financing option. Whether that’s through us, your bank or another financial institution — Enact will work with you. After that, our advisors will communicate with you every step of the way.

To get started, sign up for a free consultation and receive a free custom solar proposal. A consultation is 30 minutes with no commitment. Enact is here to serve as a trusted solar advisor for homeowners across the country.

Written by David Bartle, marketing associate

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