Examples of Solar Energy - Residential Uses

Solar energy is being widely used more and more every day. As the efficiency of solar power continues to improve, residential and commercial applications are becoming more attractive for everyday use. What are some examples of solar energy? Examples can be found all around.

Solar power has been around for a very long time. The simplest examples of solar energy use can be found in basic tasks, such as using the sun to dry clothes or food.

These days, homeowners can turn to solar home heating or solar water heating to warm their homes.

Solar power can be used to create electricity that can run things like the clothes washer & dryer, heating hot water for the bath, powering the oven, and of course lighting in the home. Even outdoor living spaces can be enhanced through the use of solar garden lights!

Homeowners who utilize solar energy often install solar roof tiles to collect the energy from the sun. Despite the positive effect on the environment and the cost savings from being "off the grid", the popularity of solar power has been hampered somewhat by the initial investment cost. You could build your own solar panels to save money - although such an undertaking isn't for everyone.

Outside of residential homes, other examples of solar energy include the use of solar power to power cars, planes, boats, and RVs.

Wind Energy is Really Solar Energy

People don't know that wind energy is actually created by the sun. As the sunrays heat the surface of the earth, the warm air rises and surrounding air floods in to take its place. This movement of air currents is what we can see and feel as wind.

In some locations, the wind is very predictable and can be harnessed by wind turbines to create electrical energy. The larger the blades, the more wind it can capture and the larger the generator can be used and that's why some wind mills are over 10 stories tall.