One of the most common questions we get from solar customers is where and what is solar energy used for? This is not an easy question to answer.
Solar energy can be used to power buses and other forms of public transportation. It can also be used to power things like cell phones, Bluetooth speakers, and other personal electronics.
For the sake of staying on topic, here are the 4 most common ways solar is used in your home.
Solar Energy for Electricity
Perhaps the most common use of solar in for San Diego homeowners is overall electricity. With time and technological advancements, solar is becoming more accessible for the average homeowner.
Traditional solar panels are installed on the roof of a home and gather electric power. We’re lucky to live in San Diego where we see the sun for a majority of the year. This makes it easier to power homes on solar electricity alone.
Homeowners have options with their excess energy as well. Some choose to let it go into the public power grid. However, others have solar batteries they can fill up in case of a rolling blackout or power outage.
Solar Energy for Water Heating
There’s a lot of electricity that’s used when heating water. We’re not talking about on the stove, we’re talking about the water heater itself. Just like a central HVAC system, the water heater plays a key role in a home’s overall health and comfort.
When you turn on a hot water tap, your water heater fires into action. This causes the tank to warm the water that’s already in it and distribute that water to where it was requested in your home.
Many homes have a small number of solar panels that power only their water heater. This takes the burden of warm water off your electricity bill.
Homeowners who invest in a solar water heater system can see a decrease of 50% to 80% in their water heater bills.
Solar Energy for Heating
Heat from the sun is nothing new. It’s something we see everyday when we walk outside and feel the nice, warm air. Solar heaters make it possible for your home to harness the energy of the sun and use that to heat the home.
This is achieved through heat transfer. Solar liquids are used to pull heat generated by the sun. Once the sun’s heat is transferred to the solar liquid, that liquid stays in storage until you request it.
The drawback is that this type of heating can only be used in radiators, a radiant floor, or a central heating system. While this does include a lot of central heaters, we don’t see radiant flooring too much in San Diego.
Solar Energy for Light
Solar panes are now so accessible they can be found on basic garden lights. We love these lights because during the day they collect power and at night they shine bright.
Solar lighting has also come a long way since the technology was first introduced. Cities are even using solar to power their streetlamps. Think of what it could do for your garden and landscaping.
If you have any questions about solar in San Diego, don’t hesitate to reach out to ASI, the White Glove Guys. We’re ready to answer any questions about home solar you may have.
