Current Uses of Solar Cells

Our current energy sources, such as coal, oil, gas, and nuclear, are both harmful to the environment and are rapidly being depleted. Today, renewable energy sources make up only a tiny portion of all the energy needs of the United States.


Photo courtesy of Australian CRC For
Renewable Energy Ltd

On a small scale, solar energy is utilized in calculators and watches. These devices have small photovoltaic cells built into them that provide power or charge a small battery.

On a larger scale, many PV cells can be combined to provide enough power for a street light or even an entire building.

In outer space, PV cells are currently being used by NASA for space stations, satellites, and on the Mars Sojourner Rover.

The new International Space Station will have four U.S. photovoltaic modules, each with two arrays 112 feet long by 39 feet wide. The arrays will be able to rotate towards the sun, thus maximizing the power provided to the ISS. Each module will generate about 23 kilowatts of electricity.

It is predicted that solar energy could eventually provide the United States with the majority of its energy needs. The two main uses of solar energy are heating water and generating electricity.


Used with permission from How Stuff Works

Used with permission from
Sun Earth Inc.

The process of water heating by solar energy is simple. Solar water heating systems consist of pipes of running water, collectors, storage tanks, and sometimes electric pumps. Not only do they operate in any climate, but their usage considerably reduces energy bills, making it a great investment for most families.

In America, over 1.5 million people have installed solar water heating systems and 94% of them consider it a wise decision.

Photos courtesy of Technology Transition Corporation 

Many schools across the country have begun to use solar energy systems. In Florida, one such school is in Lakeland, as shown above on the left.

Across the United States, solar pool heating systems provide efficient heating for residential and commercial use. Currently, there are more than 300,000 solar pool heating systems installed in the country. These systems can extend the swimming season by several weeks without any additional cost. Contrasting to the conventional pool heater, their payback can be as low as two years.


Image courtesy of Solar Energy International Association

Because of its limited access to fossil fuels and its desperate need for clean renewable energy, Australia is one of the leading countries in the world for solar technology advancement. The country has been further encouraged by the prospect that solar energy is low maintenance and long lasting.

Photovoltaic panels can power a fully integrated outdoor area lighting system while remaining completely independent from utility power. Thus there is no need to connect to an existing power grid.

Another useful aspect of solar energy is that it provides a cost efficient power supply to remote areas that are away from a main electric grid. These places include: aboriginal settlements, outback sheep and cattle stations, camp sites, and some homes in grid connected areas.

In a race called the World Solar Challenge, the development and research of solar energy for future transportation needs is encouraged. Competitors, driven by a motivation to win the greatest solar race in the world, contribute to the essential search of sustainable energy alternatives for future generations.


Photo courtesy of
World Solar Challenge