Exploring 49 Diverse Uses of Solar Energy in Modern Devices

The Sun was formed about 4.6 billion years ago and has been supporting life on Earth since then. We get two types of solar energy, light, and heat, both are essential to make the Earth a habitable planet. 

Solar energy’s uses increased as humans understood it better and thus we went from photosynthesis to harnessing solar energy for making electricity. 

Photovoltaic cells have now become a rapidly growing technology and more research is being done to maximize the uses of solar energy, so let’s take a look at 50 ways of using solar energy.  

1. Powering Your Homes

Electricity bills are a big problem for homeowners as the rates of grid energy are becoming expensive over time. Therefore, many consumers across the world are now considering solar energy to power their homes. 

A rooftop solar panel produces enough electricity to meet the demand of your home thus it saves the cost of electricity and provides a 25-30 year ease of reduced bills. 

2. Solar Electricity 

Solar electricity is not just for homes that have solar panels installed, it can also add to the local electrical grid. 

When solar panels in homes or businesses generate electricity, some of it is used to reduce energy bills but when there is excess electricity on peak sunny days, it can be sent to the local grid. This not only brings electrical reliability but also helps the environment to go green. 

Although only 2.8% of solar electricity is generated in the U.S. as of 2021 it is one of the potentially growing practices. 

3. Solar Energy Batteries

Solar energy batteries complement solar systems if you want to make the most out of your investment. With solar batteries, you can store the electricity produced during the day and use it at night to go completely off-grid. 

This stored solar energy can also be used during overcast days and power outages. 

Having a solar battery will benefit you more according to several factors. 

1. The number of sunny days and amount of sunlight in your area. 
2. How much energy do you use daily 
3. The efficiency rating of your solar panels 
4. The storage capacity of your battery

Solar Energy Generator

Many components such as portable solar panels, battery chargers, battery, and inverters make a solar energy generator. This generator can absorb solar energy store it, and distribute it when required. 

Solar generators have applications in camping and boating trips but they can also be useful in emergencies such as during power outages when backup electricity is needed. 

The amount of energy a solar generator can provide as a backup depends on its size. If your generator has a capacity of 20 kW, it can power the house for two to eight hours depending on the demand of your home in terms of appliances and lighting. 

5. Solar Ventilation

Solar attic fans are another incredible use of solar energy. If someone can not afford expensive solar panels, you can still get your home cool during summer. It reduces the burden of HVAC and electric bills for your home. You can also go for products like Solatube Solar attic fan. 

Solar ventilation technology has a wide range of uses in commercial and industrial setups. It can preheat a building’s air in winter to reduce the energy cost. 

6. Solar Water Heating 

Water heating systems using solar energy are also becoming popular. There are two types of solar water heating systems. 

• Active solar water heating system 
• Passive water heating system 

An Active Water Heating System has a mechanical pump that circulates the water between rooftop solar panels and the water tank to turn it hot. 

The circulation is further done by two systems, Direct and Indirect. 

• Direct Circulation System: This system moves the water in your house through solar collectors. This system best serves regions with non-freezing temperatures as the water can freeze. 

• Indirect Circulation System:  This system has a heat exchanger that transfers energy to the water when it circulates between the solar collector and exchanger. Thus the gest hots even in climates with freezing temperatures. 

Passive Water Heating System is not very expensive and efficient because it does not include the mechanical Pump. Simple physics helps to heat the water. It also has two types. 

Integral Collector Storage System: This system has a solar collector inside the water tank and allows solar energy to heat water within the tank. These are of great use in climates with nonfreezing waters and more hot water demand. 

Thermosiphon Systems: Thermosiphon systems are a bit complex to install because they are mostly located on the roof. In this system, a solar collector is installed lower to the storage tank and the hot water rises into the tank. 

7. Hot Air Solar System 

Hot air solar system is an excellent use of solar energy to heat the home’s air. The Sun heats the air when it strikes a wall or a roof. This happens because the technicians design homes with solar-sensitive materials. 

They can install heat-absorbing material to your roof or walls and when the air hits that material it gets hot. Another way of heating a home’s air is by using solar attic fans that we have mentioned previously. 

8. Solar Pumps

Pumps are one of the most important systems in a home because they circulate water. These pumps need energy to function and often increase your electricity bills. However, if you switch to solar-powered pumps your energy cost can decrease drastically. 

Combining solar pumps with solar generators and batteries can help you save even more money by storing the energy for off-peak hours and using the pump 24/7. 

9. Solar-Heated Swimming Pools

Most Swimming pools in the southern and southwestern U.S. use the application of solar collectors to heat the water. This works when a solar collector is heated by sunlight and water circulates to it. This hot water is then pumped back into the pool. 

According to the US. Department of Energy, “ Solar Pool heating is the most cost-effective use of solar energy in many climates”. This application can cost between $2500-$4000 but has a return on investment period of between 1-7 years. 

10. Solar Hot Tubs

In addition to swimming pools, solar hot tubs also use the technology of solar collectors. Solar energy can provide enough power to heat the hot tubs.

 However, it sometimes becomes too efficient to overheat the tub in summer. You can avoid this by using flare plate panels if you live in warmer climates. 

You will need an auxiliary heater after sundown so, using both a solar heater and a traditional heater is recommended. 

11. Solar Landscape Lights

Solar energy also provides light and the first that comes to mind is solar landscape lighting. This technology has evolved over time to be cheaper and readily available. You can find solar landscape lights anywhere from a nearby hardware store to online shops such as Amazon. 

These lighting fixtures have their own solar cell and rechargeable battery and do not require any wiring. Charge during the day and power the light at night is the mechanism behind these lighting fixtures. 

12. Solar Security Lighting 

Solar Energy is also serving in security systems. Solar lighting fixtures are becoming popular for security lighting. Like solar landscape lights, security lights also have individual solar cells and batteries that get recharged and can be used overnight. 

If the lights are motion-censored they will add to the security and reduce the use of solar energy. Options with up to 3500 lumens are available that are enough to lighten your outdoors and provide peace of mind. Additionally, water resistance features also keep the product safe during extreme weather. 

13. Solar Holiday Lights

It’s Christmas and you want to light your outdoors? Solar energy can help. You can power your holiday lights with solar energy. This will save the additional cost of electricity while you can decorate your home. 

Good Housekeeping reviewed the seven best solar Christmas lights. You can choose between simple white string lights to other playful designs. 

14.  Indoor Solar Lights

If you think solar lights can only be used outside, think again. Indoor solar lights are the same as other solar lights as they have individual solar cells and batteries. However, their solar cells need to be placed in a spot that has good solar exposure. 

There are multiple options from desk lamps to pendant lights. Mashable Solatube is an innovative skylight technology that only takes two hours to install and is great for reducing energy costs. 

15. Solar-Powered Ovens 

There are a lot of appliances that can work on solar energy. Solar ovens are one of them. Solar ovens are also known as solar cookers. 

They work on thermal energy from the sun and are really useful while camping. They can reduce energy costs and choose among many available options. 

16. Solar-Powered Cooler 

Solar coolers are a great replacement for ice-packed coolers. You can call them minifridge because they do not end up with melted ice and soggy sandwiches. 

These portable solar coolers receive energy from portable power stations when they are exposed to sunlight. 

17. Solar Bluetooth 

Solar portable Bluetooth speaker is a product worth having for people who love traveling and camping. These Bluetooth speakers function the same as electrical ones except that they have a built-in solar panel. Once they are in sunlight, you can charge them without electricity and be on the go. 

18. Solar Calculators 

Solar calculators are the oldest known devices that use the sun’s energy to work. They have been around since the 1960s and you have probably used them. 

Solar calculators have small solar cells at the top of the device. These calculators need little solar energy to work, therefore, they rarely need charging. 

19. Solar Lanterns and Flashlights

If you do not have solar panels and still want to go solar on a small scale, use solar flashlights and lanterns. 

They work best in emergencies such as when the power goes out and you run out of batteries. These products are so efficient they work for up to 30 hours when fully charged. 

20. Solar Keyboards

Solar wireless keyboards are a blessing in disguise for writers like me because I can sit wherever I want without having to deal with cords and plug-ins. 

Additionally, you do not have to worry when you are in the middle of a project and the power goes out. With high efficiency, sleek designs, and lightweight, solar keyboards are the way to type. 

21. Solar Battery Charger

In this world of the internet, electronic devices have become a part of daily routine. Whether mobile phones or tablets, we always carry these devices that connect us to the world. 

With constant use, we often run out of batteries so solar battery chargers can help.  No matter where you are, portable solar PV chargers can keep your devices charged. 

Solar technology has been revolutionizing the world for a decade, and integrating solar cells into phones already exists. 

22. Solar Security Cameras 

Solar security cameras are much more convenient than regular ones. They do not require any wired connection. You can just connect these cameras to the WiFi and they are all set to record. 

Solar cameras are pretty easy to install and you can put them anywhere without the need for plugins. Moreover, solar cameras do not require batteries so you are also relieved from the hassle of changing batteries after a few months. 

Another advantage of not having to keep up replacing batteries is that your video footage remains uninterrupted. 

Additionally, solar-powered security cameras provide continuous recording as compared to traditional wireless security cameras which often go into power-saving mode or work when they detect motion. 

23. Solar Umbrellas 

Outdoor family dinners, playing cards, and working become easier with solar umbrellas. If you have a sitting arrangement in your backyard, better get a solar-powered umbrella. These products have solar panels on the top and solar batteries technique. 

The panels generate sunlight during the day and charge batteries. The solar energy stored in batteries power LED lights on the underside of the umbrella.  

24. Solar Garbage Bins

Solar-powered WiFi Garbage Bins are an excellent use of technology to go green. These bins have solar panels. When the sun hits the bins, they power built-in wifi. In this way, people around can use the internet to communicate. 

These bins were introduced by a company Bigbelly as they work to provide solutions for waste reduction and recycling. The world is welcoming these solar trash bins and in addition to the USA, Amsterdam, Hamburg, and Stockholm are also using these WiFi trash bins. 

25. Solar Garden Decore 

The use of solar energy has gone beyond solar lights because now you can purchase any solar garden beautification product to suit your taste. 

There are solar wind chimes, and solar garden ornaments in different shapes such as animals, birds, insects, and flowers. 

26. Solar Bird Feeders

A Bird feeder is a very simple product but solar energy has made it very charming. Solar bird feeders have detachable solar panels that power the features of the bird feeder. 

The batteries get charged in the morning and light up the outdoors at night. 

There is another product Bird Buddy, that has a camera in it. It is a smart bird feeder that notifies you about the bird visitors via a smartphone app. 

Additionally, it also captures bird pictures and organizes those moments, you can watch and share, Isn’t it a bird lover’s dream product? 

27.  Solar-Powered Water Fountains 

Having water fountains in the garden adds to its beauty, but it also increases energy use and cost. However, with solar-powered water fountains, you can have the aesthetics of the garden without any extra cost.

 These solar water fountains are also available in multiple shapes and sizes, so you can surely get the one you desire. 

28. Solar Irrigation Controller 

Solar-powered irrigation controllers may not sound very important but they are to keep your yard green. With an irrigation timer, you can automatically irrigate your garden without the need of wiring, all you need is a garden hose and water source. 

29. Solar Pool Lights

You may think solar pool light means the ones that surround the pool, but no, we are talking about completely submerged light. You can add solar lights on the floor and sides of the pool. 

During the day, these lights absorb solar energy and store it in the battries. At night, they light up to illuminate the pool. Isn’t it great to enjoy a night swim in a lit pool without having to worry about electricity? 

30. Solar Watches

Charging watches is as hectic as charging anything else so why don’t we go for solar ones? Yes, solar watches are becoming very popular around the globe. They are spared from charging and use sun energy to work. 

These watches are available in all kinds of designs, from dressy to sports to casual. These watches are environmentally friendly and can last long, therefore more brands are now introducing solar watches. 

31. Solar Backpacks

If you are someone who travels a lot a solar backpack is for you. It has a small integrated solar panel that stores the solar energy which you can use to charge electronic devices. 

No matter how far you are in the wilderness, the sun is always gonna shine, so you can begin your journey to travel to tha far side with a backpack that has power. 

The solar backpacks are a handy innovation for hikers, photographers, and explorers.  

32. Solar Bluetooth Headphones

In 2021, Urbanista introduced the first pair of solar Bluetooth headphones. What can be more Gen Z than headphones that work without charging? 

These headphones have a small solar panel in the headband. This product became so popular that Adidas also introduced a pair in 2022. Both headphones are capable of working for 80 hours. 

33. Solar EarBuds

Urbanista went a step ahead and introduced solar-powered wireless earbuds in 2022. The buds use Powerfoyle technology and have noise-cancelling capabilities. However, the solar cells are present in the charging case, it only makes sense because once you are done using earbuds you are going to put them in the case. 

34. Solar-Powered Communication Headset

A company called Blue Tigger has also introduced a solar-powered communication headset. This product also uses Powerfoyle cell technology and has noise-cancelling ability. Now you can communicate all you want without having to worry about tangled wires. 

35.  Solar Bike Helmets

Solar bike helmets, you might think what good they can do, but they can be pretty convenient for bikers. The batteries of these bikes are very powerful. There are multiple options with various features but we will talk about two. 

The POC’s Omne Eternal generates energy to power the rare light for safety. But, the WeterlOberfell’s ESUB Tracks helmet goes a step ahead and provides some excellent functions. 

• It has a built-in bone conduction speaker. This sends the sound or vibration through the bone near the ear instead of inside the ear making it possible to listen to the music without being unable to hear other sounds. 

• It also powers the technology necessary to automatically fit the helmet on the head so you do not have to fit it manually. 

36. Solar Textiles 

Solar textile is a way more technologically advanced but complex initiative so it is not available in the market yet but can revolutionize solar energy and the concept of going green.

Scientists are researching and working to weave solar cells into fabrics that will be able to charge phones and smartwatches. They are planning on integrating cells into clothes such as car seats, curtains, and tents. 

In October 2022, researchers at Nottingham Trent University conducted an experiment that proved these fabrics can charge electronic devices. They are hoping that electronic textiles will make real-life applications and can change the relationships between people and technology. 

37.  Solar EV Charging 

Electrical vehicles have had tremendous success in a few years and their use increased from 2.7% in 2021 to 5.6% in 2022, we are seeing further increases in this percentage in upcoming years. Therefore, people need a more reliable way to charge EVs at home instead of finding distant solar charging stations. 

The lucky, solar industry realizes this issue and is manufacturing home solar EV charging. These solar EV chargers use energy generated by solar panels and can reduce the cost of electricity while keeping your EV going. 

If you want to learn more, check out our blog on how many solar panels you need to charge an EV. 

38. Solar Carports 

Solar carports are another way to power your EVs, protect them from weather, and power your security. Although solar panels can also do the trick carports come with the added benefits of a perfect parking spot, especially for business. 

39.  Solar-Powered Mobile and Tiny Homes

If you want to live big in a tiny house, going off-grid is the ultimate choice. It will not only help you zero your electricity cost but also supply needed energy with fewer solar panels than a big house. 

People around the world are now considering mobile or tiny houses and solar panels are their priority. If your tiny home is located in a community that is living off-grid, you can check in with the shared solar energy. 

40.  Public Solar EV Charging Stations 

Public solar EV charging stations are also emerging all around the world. Their purpose is the same as of electrical station, to provide energy to fuel the car. However, they use solar panels instead of grid electricity. This not only saves the cost but also helps the environment cleaner. 

41.  Solar Panel Parking Lots

Solar panel parking lots can use ground-mounted solar panels for generating energy and charging cars and they are often structured to free up space for vehicles. 

These parking lots are also growing rapidly due to their numerous benefits. 

Parking lots covered with solar panels can provide energy for both parked vehicles and surrounding buildings. 

42. Solar Bus Stops

Public transportation is also welcoming solar energy with open arms. You can find solar bus shelters that offset the overall use of electricity and help towns to go solar. 

These stops can use solar panels installed on the roof or any nearby location. 

The main use of these solar shelters is to use solar energy for lighting, advertising, and providing charging spots for passengers. EnGoPlanet has also included a built-in solar bench and phone charging station so waiting for bust will not be much difficult for you. 

43.  Solar Benches

Solar benches are not just for bus solar shelters they can be placed anywhere in parks, airports, and hospitals. They not only let people sit and relax but also give them a spot to charge their devices. 

EnGoPlanet has smart solar benches that also provide internet to people so you can work while watching your kids play in the park or waiting in a hospital or bus stop. 

These solar benches also illuminate after sundown using the same concept as solar landscape lights. 

44.  Solar Street Lights

Solar street lights are useful products as they light the dark streets so that people can pass peacefully. Streetlights are a great alternative source of energy in areas that do not have reliable grid access. Solar streetlights can reduce the electricity bill of a town. You can also install one in your street or drive if necessary. 

45. Solar-Powered Tents 

Solar-powered tents are exciting news for people who love camping. Distant landscapes are mostly deprived of grid electricity but they are a great spot for camping. So solar-powered tent feels like a solution. 

These tents are the same as the normal ones but have solar panels outside of them. You can use it to charge electronic devices and with a solar battery, use the solar energy at night to light up the tent. 

46.  Solar-Powered Drinking Water

Sun maintains the ecosystem of the Earth and plays its role in the rain cycle and now it can also generate drinking water. With Source Hydropanels, you can generate water out of nothing. 

This technology uses solar panels to absorb the light and generate energy to cool the air to transform it into water. This water is clean, fresh and drinkable. 

People are already using this technology with bike attachments to produce water for professional and enthusiast athletes during workouts. Homeowners, schools, hospitals, and businesses can also install this tech to generate on-the-spot drinking water.

47.  Solar Cinemas

Solar Cinema is another interesting use of solar energy. A movie theater can be powered by solar energy but it has to be a small establishment. As cinemas are very energy-demanding properties, a lot of solar panels are needed to power big cinemas. 

In South Wales, Sol Cimena is fully powered by the sun but it is only for eight people. We need more research to make solar power cheap and efficient so we can use it in big movie theaters as well. 

48. Solar-Powered Internet Cafes

Internet cafes are also switicng to solar energy and ZubaBox is one such startup. Zubabox is a fully solar-powered internet cafe. It is made out of containers much like tiny houses. 

Its inventor brought it to Kenya and is a site of attraction in Kukuma. 

Now, more Zubabox cafes are being constructed across Africa due to a partnership with AMREF and a U.K.-based charity company Computer Aid International. 

49.  Spherical Solar Energy Generator

Beta. ray is an excellent invention by architect Andre Broesell that leaps forward in generating solar energy. This invention comprises a huge device that has a tall foundation and a crustal globe. 

This globe works as a hybrid collector and tracks the sun’s motions to move with it. It can use both sunlight and moonlight to generate power 10000 times more intensely than traditional solar panels or devices. 

It can absorb every bit of light and squeeze energy during sunny days, overcast, early morning, late night, and rainy days. 

Final Analysis 

Renewable energy is reshaping our world and making it healthier and cleaner. This is just a glimpse of the uses of solar energy we achieved over centuries. We are hoping for more advanced solar energy applications in the near future.

Now that the world has become familiar with solar energy, it’s time to reset our preferences and switch to solar. This will not only save the cost of electricity but also prevent the possible shortage of fossil fuels. Solar energy and its applications may feel a bit expensive now but with more research and inventions, its cost will be reduced so we can hope to see a completely solar-powered world. 

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