Weird & Wonderful Ways You Can Use Solar Energy

Have you ever noticed solar panels adorning various types of buildings, from corporate offices and apartment complexes to single-story homes and towering skyscrapers? These installations harness solar energy primarily for generating renewable electricity—something we’ve all become quite familiar with. Solar power has certainly earned its place as a beloved source of clean energy.

But did you know there are many other applications for solar energy? It turns out that this resource is incredibly versatile. As people around the globe recognize its potential, solar power is finding its way into new and innovative areas. For instance, you can now use solar chargers to power your smartphones and tablets. There are even solar-powered trash cans popping up in cities, adding a touch of modernity while reducing environmental impact.

Let’s explore some fascinating ways solar energy is being utilized today.

Transforming Seawater into Drinking Water

Researchers at Rice University in Texas have developed a more sustainable approach to removing salt from seawater, effectively converting it into potable water. Traditionally, desalination plants boil the water, collect the steam, and condense it back into drinkable water. While effective, this process demands vast amounts of heat, making it far from environmentally friendly.

Solar desalination offers a greener solution. By leveraging sunlight to evaporate the saltwater, this method has the potential to supply entire communities with fresh water using advanced technologies like nanophotonics-enabled solar membrane distillation (NESMD). It’s a breakthrough that could revolutionize access to clean water worldwide.

Wearable Solar Innovations

Recent advancements in solar technology are paving the way for wearable solutions that are lighter, sleeker, and more practical than ever before. Scientists from the University of Tokyo and Japan’s RIKEN research institute are working on integrating solar cells directly into garments. Imagine wearing clothes that double as portable charging stations! These innovations will connect seamlessly with the Internet of Things, allowing users to charge their phones, laptops, and other devices effortlessly.

While previous attempts at wearable solar tech, such as Ralph Lauren’s solar-powered backpacks launched in 2011, showed promise, they often felt bulky or aesthetically unappealing. The next generation promises to change all that.

Transportation Gets Solar-Powered

Solar energy is rapidly becoming a viable option for powering vehicles, and recent developments highlight its immense potential within the transportation sector. From electric cars equipped with solar panels to cruise liners adorned with photovoltaic arrays, the possibilities seem endless. Remember the solar-powered bus introduced in 2013? Two years later, the world witnessed the historic flight of Solar Impulse, a solar-powered aircraft that completed a five-day journey spanning multiple continents.

Looking closer to home, studies from Imperial College London suggest that by 2020, a majority of UK trains may run on solar energy. This shift could significantly reduce reliance on non-renewable resources, offering a significant step toward sustainability in the transportation industry.

Introducing Solar Trash Cans

In 2012, Dundee University became home to the world’s first solar-powered trash compactors. Thanks to a £41,000 grant from Zero Waste Scotland, the university installed ten of these “Big Belly” bins, which crush waste as they fill up, increasing their capacity dramatically.

These smart bins offer numerous advantages. By holding more waste, they reduce the frequency of collection trips, lower fuel consumption, and even cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80%. Equipped with an online management system, they provide real-time updates on their current capacity, ensuring efficient maintenance scheduling.

Solar Cinema Magic

Step into the world’s only solar-powered cinema in Swansea. Styled with classic usherettes and retro ticket stubs, The Sol Cinema seats up to eight adults or ten children and screens short films exclusively. Since receiving £5,000 at TalkTalk’s Digital Heroes Award, the cinema has flourished in its mission to promote environmental awareness. You can even book it for events like Glastonbury and T in the Park.

Are You Ready for Solar Energy?

Solar energy stands at the forefront of renewable technology, continually advancing and adapting to meet global needs. Whether you’re passionate about sustainability or simply want to save on energy costs, our solutions cater to everyone. Give us a call, and let’s discuss how solar can work for you!