The future of solar: what's on the horizon
Nov 11, 2023
By Albina Strassner
5 min to read
Grid-Tied Systems: Connected to the local power grid, these systems allow excess energy generated during sunny periods to be sent back to the grid, often earning credits for the homeowner (net metering). Power can still be drawn from the grid when needed, such as on cloudy days or at night.
Off-Grid Systems: Operating independently of the electrical grid, off-grid systems require battery storage to hold excess energy for use when sunlight is unavailable. These systems are ideal for remote areas without access to traditional power sources.
Hybrid Systems: Combining solar power with other renewable energy sources or backup generators, hybrid systems provide greater flexibility and reliability, ensuring power availability even when sunlight is limited.
Solar Energy Applications
Solar power is used across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors:
Home Solar Systems: Many homeowners install solar panels to produce electricity, cut energy costs, and shrink their carbon footprint. Rooftop PV systems and solar water heaters are common in residential settings.
Commercial Solar Systems: Businesses and industries utilize large-scale solar systems to meet energy demands, cut operational costs, and achieve sustainability targets. Solar farms also supply electricity to the grid on a large scale.
Solar-Powered Technology: Solar energy powers a wide range of devices, from small gadgets like calculators to large-scale systems such as streetlights and electric vehicle charging stations.
Agricultural Applications: Solar energy powers irrigation systems, water pumps, and equipment in rural or remote locations. It’s also used in greenhouses to maintain optimal growing environments for plants.
Advantages of Solar Energy
Commercial Solar Systems: Businesses and industries utilize large-scale solar systems to meet energy demands, cut operational costs, and achieve sustainability targets. Solar farms also supply electricity to the grid on a large scale.
Solar-Powered Technology: Solar energy powers a wide range of devices, from small gadgets like calculators to large-scale systems such as streetlights and electric vehicle charging stations.
Agricultural Applications: Solar energy powers irrigation systems, water pumps, and equipment in rural or remote locations. It’s also used in greenhouses to maintain optimal growing environments for plants.