Solar panels pop up where you least expect. You likely thought they were just for roofs, right? Well, the possibilities are endless with solar energy and solar panel installation in your living space.
Innovations mean we’ve moved beyond just using solar panels for generating electricity, and people are getting more creative and sustainable with applications of this technology.
So, let’s explore some of the most unique and interesting ways that solar panels are being used today around the country.
Using Solar Panels for Water Purification
Desalination
Solar panels can be used to filter out salt from seawater. It might sound like science fiction, but solar panels evaporate seawater, leaving salt behind. Steam can be condensed back into a liquid, giving you fresh water with no electricity required.
You can achieve this with solar stills, which are like tiny greenhouses, solar-powered reverse osmosis to power pumps that push water through filters removing impurities, and multi-effect distillation, which evaporates water in stages.
The applications of this are truly exciting for future home designs, where we can explore new ways to bring water to people in deprived areas, providing a “sustainable solution to two of today’s critical challenges: climate change and water scarcity,” according to ScienceDirect.
Water Filtration
Want fresh water with your clean, green energy? Well, your solar panels can also be put to work to power water filtration systems. In this way, purified drinking water supplies can be delivered to even places that may not have a power grid. As a matter of fact, energy from the sun can extract dirt and germs from the water to get it ready to drink.
It is super eco-friendly to switch to solar-powered water purification, as it’s a renewable energy source with no pollution due to the burning of fossil fuels. Also, there is considerable saving on getting clean drinking water through the free energy the sun provides, which can also be implemented at a place where electricity is not so easily available. This way, it’s good not just for the planet but will also save you money in the process.
Exciting Solar Panel Installation Designs and Aesthetics
Transparent Panels
If you’ve ever wondered why we don’t just find a way to harness the power of the sun from our windows, wonder no longer. Transparent solar panels let sunlight in while generating power across lots of glass. These are ideal for urban areas when there just might not be a lot of space for installing big systems in an apartment building, and will blend right into their surroundings.
Alt text: white and black wooden house with roof tile solar panels
Roof Tiles
Solar panels don’t have to be an eyesore. There are more and more innovations in solar panel design, including roof tiles. They look just like regular roof tiles, meaning they won’t interfere with the aesthetic of your home. You can join the solar revolution without sacrificing your home’s unique style.
Solar Panel Pergola
If you want to marry function and style, then solar panel pergolas are what you need to know about. You can strategically place solar panels into a pergola structure to harness the power of the sun while providing shade and protection from the weather. Your outdoor living area can not only be a place for relaxing but also become an eco-friendly retreat.
Solar Panel Smart Homes
Homes are getting smarter by the year, and solar can be easily integrated with smart systems in your home. You can monitor and control your energy use in real time through your smartphone, optimising your solar panels during peak hours or selling excess power back to the grid. This will pass the savings on to you.
Alt text: black and white solar panels on a roof with a city skyline
Automated Homes
Beyond just powering your residence, solar panels can automate an entire structure. From smart thermostats to automated blinds, everything can be combined by this technology to help maintain efficiency and comfort in your home. Innovative technology can help adjust your thermostat while you are away on holiday, for instance, so you can save energy without even having to think twice and reduce dependency on the grid.
Home Security
Protect your peace of mind with smart innovations that connect solar panels to your home security system. Solar panels can be used to power security cameras, motion sensors, and even smart locks to make sure they continue to work during power outages.
Immersion Heating
An immersion diverter will help you to keep track of how much solar power is used and generated, and will divert any surplus to the powering of an immersion heater. This provides ample hot water for the house and is set up automatically so that it may work on its own. This is great when you’re trying to use more of the excess electricity that’s created if you’re not able to store a lot of it.
What to Consider with Creative Solar Projects
When you want to install a creative solar cell for your home, there are a few key things you should consider before committing to your new innovation:
- Costs and ROI: Solar is a long-term investment, but it can have a higher up-front cost
- Structural Engineering: You need to have a structure that supports any heavy additions to your home.
- Zoning and Building Codes: Check your local and national regulations to see what you’re allowed to add to your home when it comes to residential solar use.
- Sun Exposure: Careful placement is key to maximising your sun exposure year-round.
Unlock Your Home’s Energy Potential
The creative installation of solar panels lets you turn your home into the smart house of the future in exciting ways. Be more sustainable and find several ways to increase your green energy production: from filtering water to finding interesting ways of placing solar panels that will not sacrifice your aesthetics.
Are you keen to know more about creative solar panel installations? Reach out to Volteam for solutions from SE Queensland premier solar panel installer.