The sun has been worshipped for many centuries by a variety of cultures and today, with the staggering rise in the use of solar power, it’s safe to say its energy is revered now more than ever.
Attempts to harness the power of solar energy started in the 1860’s and, over time, the technology has evolved to the point where its popularity spans the globe and has become a commercially viable option for industries and individuals after alternate sources of electricity. With electricity tariff hikes in many countries, solar power has become a reliable source of electricity for those looking to live off the grid, so to speak, as well as for anyone interested in a less environmentally destructive way to power their home, business or gadgets.
Check out how solar power has changed the way people live in other ways…
Solar powered wheelchairs
A group of students at the University of Virginia won first place in a worldwide competition called Change My World in One Minute for their design of a solar powered wheelchair with retractable panels. The competition, which was held in conjunction with World Cerebral Palsy Day, encouraged people to come up with concepts that could change the world, and to explain them online in just one minute. The solar powered wheelchair won because of its potential to truly benefit the life of anyone living with a disability. The solar panels which charge the batteries on the wheelchair are positioned in such a way that they also provide shade for the wheelchair occupant. It has single switch operation and comes with all standard wheelchair accessories, but also includes a USB power outlet that can be used for cell phones and GPS navigation systems. An invention disclosure has been filed for this product, and there is every chance that we could see it in production soon.
Solar powered traffic lights
South Africa’s first solar powered traffic light was unveiled in Cape Town in 2007 and since, has been used in various areas of the country to much applaud. Non-functioning traffic lights can cause havoc on the roads during power cuts, especially during peak hour traffic, and the implementation of solar powered lights in cities around the world has led to improved, uninterrupted function to aid traffic flow.
Solar powered cars
Car manufacturers have been creating solar and electric hybrid cars but the first commercially available, strictly solar powered vehicle is yet to be unveiled. The World Solar Challenge puts a huge spotlight on this technology, attracting teams from around the world to race more than 3000 kilometers across the Australian Outback in solar powered vehicles. The competition aims to promote research on solar powered cars and has led to many other smaller competitions also springing up around the world – all focussing on the importance of solar energy and hoping to gain widespread support for its advancement.
Solar power has a vast array of benefits and can significantly improve your life by reducing your electricity costs and your impact on the environment. To find out more about how it can help you right now – contact your local solar energy specialist.