Solar Energy's Other Applications

While this site is principally dedicated to, and focused on, solar cooking we realize that there are a number of ways that solar energy can be utilized for the benefit of the human race and the well being of our lands and natural resources.

Admittedly one of the best sources for information on the subject can be found at Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia, where you will find an exhaustive compendium of information and references on the subject.

Most people are familiar with the more renowned solar energy technologies (listed below) that are widely available on the market today and designed to harness the power of the sun for use in generating electricity.

Solar Panels, or as they are more technically known, photo-voltaic panels; are comprised of a number of photo-voltaic cells tied together with an electrical wiring structure that, when exposed to the sun will generate electricity for use by the consumer of such. 
See:Solar Panels.

Solar Thermal Collectors which may include solar hot water panels; used for heating water, and other collectors such as a solar parabolic, solar trough and solar towers. These are designed to collect heat, or rather, absorb sunlight to create heat. These collectors are mainly used to heat water to produce steam to run turbines that generate electricity.
See:Solar Thermal Collectors

Video on Aluminum Downspout Solar Hot Air Collector

Solar Energy is also used for heating of water for residential and industrial uses for bathing, cooking, sterilizing, heating and cooling and more. This form of solar energy conversion is accomplished in a manner very similar to the solar thermal collectors used for "steam-to-turbine-to-electrical" generation.

To find out more detailed explanation of solar energy principles, ideas and systems we invite you to visit the Solar Energy Wikipedia at: Solar Power

Video on Solar Pop Bottle Lighting

Other Sources of Alternative Energy 

Other alternative energy sources include; hydro (water) wind, geothermal, wave power, and tidal power.

All of these are currently available to one degree or other as viable sources of energy albeit some are not as economically feasible as others due to labor, material and developmental costs.

A number of governments and businesses are developing and advancing these different technologies to variable degrees.

Several European countries have installed wave and tidal electricity generating devices and systems. Tidal Power    Wave Power

Others have implemented large wind power generating farms. Wind Power

Australia is taking advantage of their abundant solar energy capacity, this being one among many other less developed resources.

Solar Tower

Iceland has one of the worlds most advanced geothermal systems along with Kenya, Mexico and the Philippines. Geothermal

These are just a few examples of the many throughout the world on small and large scales being developed and implemented for the benefit of both the individual, private enterprise, and the world as a whole. 

You can find further information at the aforementioned sites and also information from manufacturers and installers of these available systems and technologies by visiting some of out partner sites below.

Top Alternative Energy Sources - provides comprehensive information on all forms of alternate energy, including solar, wind, water and geothermal energy. You can even learn how to run your car on water.

A Great site for the "Do-it-Yourself-er" and the frugally minded. All things Solar is the idea here at http://www.builditsolar.com/index.htm

For information on solar homes, solar lighting, solar appliances and more, visit our partner site at http://www.go-green-solar-energy.com/solar-power-homes.html 

A great, comprehensive and all inclusive site on solar cooking, energy, composting and much more...Rimstar.org 

FREE: Solar Energy Guide Ebook download in PDF format. Very helpful and informative E book on all things Solar Energy, including solar cooking. 

Using a solar oven for refrigeration 

Return from Solar Energy's Other Applications back to Home page 

Go To: 
How Solar Cooking Works 
Why Solar Cooking 
Sustainable Living: Beyond solar cooking