Solar Energy Systems

While many people believe that solar power systems are contingent on the sun's energy being converted into electricity, there are also systems that use the thermal energy of the sun to supply power. Convention thinking considers only the use of photovoltaic cells in the production of power, overlooking the heat aspect from the sun. For example, large bladders made of black plastic or rubber can hold sufficient amounts of water to be heated by sun to heat swimming pools as solar power systems.

Many of the solar power systems are small to provide energy for such things as patio lights or outdoor lighting systems and some are large enough to supply enough energy to supply an entire house.

Those building homes or cabins in remote locations, well off the power grid have found that solar power systems provide the opportunity to have some of the luxuries of their traditional home. With the right system in place, power can be supplied for refrigeration and heating as well as many other low-power uses. Lights and even televisions can be used when connected to solar power systems allowing people to move out away from large cities and into far removed locations.

There are larger portable solar power systems that can provide electricity following a natural disaster. The large systems can be contained on a trailer and towed to the site of disaster to supply electricity for emergency recovery operations as well as to provide minimal power for lighting and emergency medical care. While gas and diesel generators may be more popular, the availability of fuel may hinder their use whereas using solar power systems in the area only require sunlight for power.

As technology improves and more energy is realized by smaller photovoltaic cells, more solar power systems in areas with abundant sunshine may be able to take some of the pressure off traditional power grids to supplement the current supply or to add to the available power.