Solar Powered Pools

Uses of Solar Energy for Residential Purposes

Today's homes have vast energy requirements, whether for
heating, cooling, lighting or another purpose. All these
require electricity or energy.

The most common use of Solar Energy in residential houses is
for the purpose of heating water. A solar panel can convert
sunlight into heat. The bottom of solar panels is black so
that they can absorb as much heat as possible. A
glass-covered water pipe then coils up along the side of the
solar panel. When it is sunny, the water in the pipe is
heated and this hot water can then be stored in a tank
underneath the house or somewhere else out of sight.

Another major and more common use for Solar Energy is the
conversion of sunlight into electricity. Solar cells convert
sunlight into electricity. These cells are usually made out
of silicon which is common material found in sand. Electrons
from silicon atoms are released when sunlight hits a solar
cell, and these electrons flow away. Since electricity is
actually the flow of electrons from one place to another,
each solar cell produces a small amount of current or
electricity.

Solar Energy is now used in a variety of ways. Calculators
and watches often run on solar cells, and larger solar cells
are used to provide power for solar cars.

Other areas where Solar Energy is being used are heating
swimming pools, power for satellites in space, power for
parking meters and street lights.