The Different Ways of Harnessing Solar Energy

I will present the three basic ways of harnessing solar energy: bioclimatic architecture, thermal solar energy and photovoltaic solar energy. Learn more about each below.

Use of bioclimatic architecture

The aim of bioclimatic architecture is to make the best possible use of natural resources, including energy from the sun. Designers seek to integrate resources with the building and environments. This happens through smart projects focused on sustainability.

In this way, the construction takes advantage of the natural conditions of the surroundings. This can occur, for example, through photovoltaic systems to generate electricity, as well as by taking advantage of natural lighting.

Natural light can be well used during the day, dispensing with the need for artificial lighting through lamps. There are also systems that reflect sunlight out of the environment, lowering the temperature. Thus, it is not necessary to use fans or air conditioning.

Use of thermal solar energy

Solar thermal energy uses solar heat to get heat through collectors or other methods. It is a method widely used to heat water in properties, whether residential or business, such as inns, hotels, clubs, parks, gyms, physiotherapy clinics.

Use of photovoltaic solar energy

The photovoltaic system is the most efficient method to capture solar energy . The energy potential is greater from photovoltaics. Among its advantages, we can mention:

• Solar energy comes from an inexhaustible source of raw material, without causing any damage to the environment;
• During the capture of solar energy and the use of electric energy, the emission rate of pollutants and particles is zero, as it is a totally sustainable source of energy;
• The equipment used to capture and convert solar energy can be installed anywhere in the world;
• Solar Installation is generally carried out on roofs, which saves space;
• The use of photovoltaic energy has no restrictions, that is, it can be widely applied in daily life.

What are the ways of harnessing photovoltaic solar energy?

Now, let's be more specific and show what are the ways of harnessing photovoltaic solar energy. It can be used in different ways. See what they are.

Photovoltaic energy in homes/companies

When the objective is to provide electricity to homes and businesses, energy is provided through photovoltaic modules. An interesting point to consider is to calculate the necessary demand.

For this, it is necessary to contact a solar company to carry out a plan and develop a specific, personalized project, with the correct total of photovoltaic panels to meet the public's demand.

Recharge of electronic devices

Advanced technology favors the most recurring energy applications and closest to the consumer. Solar batteries, for example, are used to charge smartphones, tablets and other electronic equipment.

Solar chargers hit the market with interesting prices for the consumer. In addition, because they are portable, they are very practical and easy to use.

The chargers work like common electric power banks. But the charge is made from sunlight and not through connection to an outlet.

Operation of household appliances

In homes, one of the most common forms of harnessing solar energy is to operate domestic appliances such as televisions and air conditioning.

Powered by photovoltaic energy, household appliances work normally, successfully performing their functions.

Thus, solar energy makes the appliances in the kitchen (refrigerator, blender, microwave, aircon), in the living room (television, stereos, lamps), in the bedrooms (air conditioning, lamps, fans) work.

Electrification of fences

Electrification of fences can be used in homes and businesses. The energy consumed in an electric fence is not that high, but the photovoltaic system helps to reduce consumption even more, especially if the fences occupy a very large perimeter.

Street lighting

Solar energy can also be valuable for administrative authorities looking to create more sustainable urban spaces. The application of photovoltaic energy systems in street lighting can generate tax reductions for the population. The life of the photovoltaic system is long and maintenance costs are low.

Collective use systems

The photovoltaic system contributes to reducing costs in the supply of buildings whose purpose is to offer community services: schools, colleges, public centers, hospitals , health centers.

Electric cars

Electric cars are already in operation. There are already studies that seek to charge the internal batteries of vehicles using photovoltaic energy. Thus, in a place that is supplied by photovoltaic energy, it will be possible to supply any electric vehicle.

Water heating

Photovoltaic energy replaces the electrical energy of conventional water heaters, which tend to consume more electrical energy. People are already becoming aware of the importance of photovoltaic systems for heating water, whether in homes or in establishments such as clubs, condominiums, gyms.

Water treatment plants

Many solar plants are being installed in the world in order to support water treatment plants. They are installed in the field and photovoltaic panels are also installed on the roofs of buildings and parking lots to optimize production and economy .

You realized that there are several ways to harness solar energy. Photovoltaics in particular offer many opportunities for use, including thermal heating and bioclimatic architecture. Over time, new forms of harnessing will appear, as solar energy is gaining more and more space in the context of a sustainable society.