Unique Usage of Solar Around the World

Renewables are on the rise all over the world, and the one in the spotlight is solar energy. From giant solar farms that house hundreds of thousands of panels, to smaller-scale personal installations that pop up on the roofs of residential buildings. When it comes to solar, the blue panels are the unofficial symbol, but it’s not the limit the solar ingenuity can reach. In fact, as clean energy gains popularity, it becomes a preferred method to power a variety of devices and machinery. In this article, we take a closer look at some of the unique uses of solar.

Solar pest control

Solar powered pest control is a mix between utility and convenience. The device is operated by a solar panel installed on its rooftop; the panel also supplies the energy to run and navigate the semi-automated system. While additional supervision from an operator is still required, the device reduces manual labor, at the same time providing an equal spray of the pesticides. The device also serves as an example of the applicability of solar in a variety of ways, utilizing clean energy to power appliances and technology.

Solar air conditioner

With heat being an ever-persistent enemy in summer, it’s no surprise that many people turn to air-conditioning to keep cool. In the U.S. alone, about 6% of total electricity usage comes from air conditioners. However, with the growing desire to be more environmentally conscious and the increasing number of eco-friendly homes, people are leaning towards sustainable technology, and that’s where solar-powered air conditioners come in. These appliances can decrease CO2 emissions, while saving both the environment and costs for the users.

Solar cinema

The Sol Cinema is, as the name suggests, a mini-cinema that can travel around. It was constructed out of a recycled 45-year-old caravan, and according to the creators, the cinema was made using recycled materials. Sol Cinema was created with the intention of reducing CO2 emissions, and solar power was chosen as its new driving force that offered accessibility and convenience. The mobile movie theater can seat no more than 10 adults, but the entire experience offers a unique perspective on personal cinemas, while underlining the importance and adaptability of clean energy.

Solar roads

Roads can be found all over the world, constructed in open areas and, more often than not, they are largely exposed to direct sunlight. Which is why the idea of solar roads is both ingenious and practical. Solar Roadways use hexagon shaped solar panels designed to withstand the impact of vehicles while maintaining appropriate solar harvesting capacity to be productive. The special panels can be used on highways, biking paths or even playgrounds—anything that requires a hard surface can be substituted with the solar panels, making it applicable in a variety of ways.

Solar trash compactors

Solar powered trash cans are another step towards a greener future. The idea has proven to be quite popular, and there are already several incentives in place. Solar trash compactors are said to reduce collection frequency by up to 80%, while maintaining the overall cleanliness by keeping the waste contained. Solar bins would also help reduce bin clutter and traffic noise, which, in turn, reduces carbon footprint and CO2 emissions of those same vehicles. Additionally, the software attached to the solar bins would enable waste tracking and can streamline operations and collections. Not to mention, while being useful for the environment, these compactors could also enhance the aesthetics of the city.

Solar aircraft

Flight is one of the most useful methods of transportation, however, there are concerns about the environmental impact of such convenience. One possible solution to the problem could be planes that are powered by clean energy, and here comes in Solar Impulse 2, a solar-powered aircraft that traveled around the world and spent more than 500 hours in the air, all without a drop of liquid fuel. The plane’s wings are covered in 17,248 photovoltaic solar cells, which charge four lithium batteries to keep the propellers working during nighttime. Granted, at the moment, the project has limited applicability, but the technology has the potential to grow, and in the future we might see more solar-powered aircraft of larger capacity.

As solar becomes more widespread, it’s important to keep in mind that PV systems are not restricted to farms or multiple panels. Solar is a viable way to replace fossil fuels not just on a large scale construction, but as a method to power a variety of convenient technology, the usage of which helps to reduce emissions in the long run without sacrificing utility.