Solar cells convert sunlight into electricity that is utilised to control electric loads and not just for inventive home solar power panels. Solar panels may be used for several purposes. These include autonomous energy systems for homes, communication devices, remote sensing, and energy generation by residential and industrial solar electrical installations.
You are probably familiar with all of the traditional uses for home solar electricity. However, individuals are employing solar arrays in unusual and inventive ways these days. Who would have guessed solar panels could be that trendy? Here are among the most creative and fantastic uses.
Around the world through the sun
Spacecraft
The Planetary Society has launched a solar-powered spacecraft in the United States. According to the Planetary Society, LightSail 2 is the first aircraft to circle Earth solely powered by solar energy.
LightSail 2 comprises four giant solar sails and a tiny satellite the size of a loaf of bread. The sails’ reflected surface captures the solar energy. Sun sailing is a technique that uses energy to push the spaceship forwards. Solar energy produces a steady but modest forward thrust, which can accelerate as the rocket moves.
Solar Stadium
The Solar Powered Stadium in Taiwan, designed by Japanese architect Toyo Ito, is now operational. Solar panels occupy 8,844 of the venue’s roof. The arena was constructed to correspond with the commencement of the World Games in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, which cost $150 million to construct and has a capacity of 55,000 attendees. With its 14,155m2 roof, the arena set the global record for the biggest photovoltaic panels stadium.
It has the potential to generate 1.14-gigawatt hours of electricity per year, enough to power up to 80% of the surrounding area.
Ultimate solar fabric
Solar panels that are small and flexible may now be sewed into the material of garments. Solar filaments implanted in clothing, jackets, and other forms of apparel keep you warm during winters. They even charge your devices such as a phone, power banks, etc., and power other transportable electrical devices.
Lighting up house facades, canopies, drapes, and powering hot automobile seating are some of the other applications.
Highway roads
Photovoltaic roadways can create renewable energy, light up during the night, and dissolve snow and ice throughout the wintertime. Solar panels covering highways will provide almost 80 per cent of the nation’s energy needs.
Panel effectiveness, panel inclination, monitoring systems, sunshine hours, and temperatures are all factors that affect energy generation. Pavement bends somewhat under strain, damaging stiff photovoltaic panels; cement is less malleable and better supports solar panels. Several industries and transport authorities are currently evaluating the viability of solar-powered road networks.
Takeaway
Finding sustainable energy options is becoming increasingly important as more individuals are aware of our severe climate challenges.
As a result, the production of solar energy is growing. Finding methods that are both efficient and reliable enough to fulfil our expanding energy demands remains a challenge.
Some believe that such “environmental sustainability” is a contradiction in terms. Thankfully, new ways to capture the sun’s radiation continue to emerge, such as solar sails for interstellar travel and inside solar panels listed above.
With the possibility that solar panels will play a role in addressing climate change, it’s vital to take steps towards a more sustainable lifestyle.
