The image of a large, dark-blue panel atop a rooftop supplying solar-powered electricity is an image most people are familiar with . Unfortunately there are not too many homes that have solar panels however there have been thousands of magazine articles written over the past 30 years accompanied by photos showing what they look like. Given that we don't see too many houses with solar panels many people consider them the 'the wave of the future'. Unfortunately for this technology the future always seems out of reach. Many people believe that solar panels are expensive and wonder about how efficient they actually are.
Fortunately you can find dozens of cost-effective solar panels on the market today that are incredibly efficient.
Lawn lights are a popular example. They come in the form of stakes about a foot long with lights mounted on the stake. On the top of the light are small solar energy panels. They don't generate much power, but not much is needed for them to do the job. They can be quickly placed anywhere since they require no wires. They can last for years without any maintenance since they use no batteries and the bulbs are ultra-long lasting.
Thousands of people have used solar powered calculators for decades. What you might be unaware of, though, is that this same technology has recently been expanded to encompass laptops. Currently they don't generate enough power to run a standard hard drive or monitor; however, solar power has been combined with new inventions to make that unnecessary, organic cells.
Standard solar cell uses layered wafers of silicon doped with phosphorus. Yet other elements, and more complex molecules, are also subject to the photoelectric effect. Many organic molecules will shoot off electrons when struck with light. While they're not currently as efficient, they do make up for it by being flexible and inexpensive. These can be incorporated into certain inexpensive plastic alloys.
This technolgoy makes it possible to create affordable keyboards and monitors that can be folded or rolled-up. This technology will make it possible to roll up a computer like a newspaper and tuck it in your pocket. When you want to use it you simply unroll it and power it up using available light.
Anything that is powered by battery has the potential to be powered by a solar system. Electrical fencing is one possibility. Regardless if you have a small dog that you want penned in or cattle, low voltage systems are often used to keep animals in check. Small electrical shocks typically wont hurt the animal but is sufficient to keep them from wandering outside the perimeter. Many animals can jump over standard fencing, but electrifying the system discourages the attempt.
Another possibility is boats since they need batteries to start the engine and run any small electrical devices when the motor is off such as running lights, speedometer and more. Just like typical batteries they need to be recharged. In most cases the motor will recharge the battery.
But, clearly, the fact that battery chargers exist means that method doesn't always work. However, when you're out on the water, and in many cases even when you're near the shore, it's difficult or impossible to use a standard charger. Electrical outlets aren't universal in docks and nowhere on the water. A solar-powered charger can come in handy just when you need it most.
Solar powered chargers can also come in handy to recharge RV batteries as well. However, in the case of RV's solar powered systems can be useful beyond those emergency needs.
Many times an RV is stationary, with its motor off. Some have generators to power the RV at those times. But generators are noisy and consume gasoline or diesel, producing foul smelling fumes. Not exactly what you want when you're outdoors enjoying the fresh air. A solar power system can supply at least part of the energy needed. It can run a radio, power a DVD and/or TV, or a small refrigerator.
The great thing is that you can rely on solar power for more than electricity. Heating your water is another popular home-oriented application for solar power.
The suns energy can be focused on small areas using small parabolic dishes. The energy can then be transmitted to a water storage system. Not all such systems are solely for inside the house either. The hot water supplied using solar energy can be used to bathe the dogs outside or provide an alternative to washing the car with cold water.
Warm water is typically better for cleaning and makes any outdoor washing chore easier. Solar heating systems provide a reservoir of warm water to wash the exterior of the windows, supply a sink in the garage and other uses around the house and garage.
Solar energy panels systems today are more efficient and lower cost than ever. They provide freedom from dependence on the utility companies for all your electrical and hot water needs. That makes them a good deal.
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