What are the energy end-uses for solar?
Once harnessed and converted, there are many uses of solar energy limited only by the technology available. Typical solar energy applications include: space heating and cooling through solar architecture, potable water via distillation and disinfection, lighting, hot water, thermal energy for cooking, and high temperature process heat for industrial purposes.
The following is a partial listing of end-uses for solar energy, according to application:
Military
- Operating equipment - The Pentagon is investing $15 million of the stimulus money into the development of lightweight, flexible photovoltaic mats that could be rolled up like a rug and used at forward bases to draw solar power for operating equipment.
- Providing power at installations - The Army, in partnership with a private firm, is building a 500-megawatt solar farm at Fort Irwin’s desert location in California to supply the 30 to 35 megawatts needed to operate the installation. Any remaining solar power will be available for sale to the California electrical grid. According to Keith Eastin, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations and Environment, the concept of using buffer land for energy production could be applied at many installations.[1]
Industrial
- heating and cooling
- industrial processes
- water pump
- irrigation
- lighting
- electricity
- water heating
Transportation
- road signs - generate power stored in batteries to light road signs
- cellular telephones - power roadside cellular telephones
- electric motors - power vehicle electric motors
Residential
- heating and cooling
- water heating
- outdoor lighting
- electricity
Personal:
- power watches and calculators
Research by Diane Meade
