What are Solar Panels Usages?

Solar panels have 8 usages as an essential source of electrical energy in many residential and commercial applications. Solar panel usages include (water Heating, pool heating, solar ventilation and cooling, security cameras, electric vehicles) at homes. The average US solar panel system size is 11.3 kilowatts (kW), according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). These solar systems cover 40% of the average American home’s annual electricity usages. 

In 2022, there were over 3.2 million homes in The United States that use solar panels in different usages and applications, accounting for 46% of all new solar capacity added in the country, according to The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).

In 2022, commercial solar installations accounted for 27% of all new solar capacity added in the United States, according to The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Common commercial solar panels usages include (office buildings, educational facilities, schools, agriculture facilities, industrial facilities). 

That solar power usages will account for nearly half of all new electricity generation capacity, for homes and commercial usages, added globally between 2023 and 2030, according to The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts . By 2050. Solar power will be the world’s largest source of electricity, accounting for over 20% of global electricity generation, which means new solar panels usages will appear.

As of 2023, the global solar farms capacity has surpassed 1,000 gigawatts (GW), enough to power over 750 million homes, according to The International Energy Agency. This represents a staggering 120 GW of new capacity added in 2022 alone. The United States ranks third with over 135 GW ofelectricity from solar farms, according to Solar Energy Industries Association. Solar Farms have 5 main usages including (electricity generation, energy independence, energy access).

Energy independence means that you can use solar panels during power outage. To use a solar panel system for home in power outage periods, there are 6 steps including (install Solar Panels, adding a battery that is used in solar power systems, install monitoring system).

This article answers the following questions like: What are Solar Panels Usage at Home? Do Solar Panels Power Cameras? What are Solar Panels Usages for Electric Vehicles? Can Solar Panels Used for Schools? Can Solar Panels Used for Agriculture? Do Solar Panels Have Industrial Usage? What is solar farm usage? What are Home Solar Panels Systems? How to Use Solar Panels During Power Outage? Can you Charge a Battery from solar panels?

What are Solar Panels Usages at Home?

Solar panels have main 8 uses at home, primarily related to generating electricity from sunlight to power household appliances and reduce energy costs. 

The 8 usages of solar panels at homes are shown in this picture.

8 common applications of solar panels for residential use, are in the next list.

• Generating Electricity . The primary use of solar panels at home is to generate electricity from sunlight. This electricity powers lights, appliances, and other electrical devices in the home.
• Heating Water. Solar thermal panels are used to heat water for domestic use. These panels capture solar heat and transfer it to a fluid that circulates through a water heating system. Solar water heaters provide hot water for showers, faucets, and even space heating.
• Heating Pools. Solar panels circulate pool water through solar collectors, where it is heated by the sun before returning to the pool. This extends the swimming season and reduces the need for traditional pool heaters.
• Solar Ventilation and Cooling. Solar-powered attic fans help regulate the temperature in the attic space by expelling hot air, reducing the load on air conditioning systems and improving energy efficiency.
• Powering Outdoor Lighting. Solar-powered outdoor lighting fixtures, such as garden lights and pathway lights, use built-in solar panels to charge batteries during the day and provide illumination at night without the need for electrical wiring.
• Providing Emergency Backup Power. Some residential solar systems have battery storage, allowing homeowners to have backup power during grid outages. Solar-generated electricity is stored and used to keep essential appliances and systems running.
• Powering Security Systems. Solar panels are used to power home outdoor security cameras. These cameras have built-in solar panels to charge their batteries, allowing them to operate continuously without the need for a traditional electrical connection.
• Charging Electric Vehicle. Solar panels are used to charge electric vehicles (EVs) at home (e-bikes, e-scooters). Solar EV charging stations is integrated with solar installations, allowing homeowners to charge their EVs with clean, renewable energy.

Do Solar Panels Power Cameras?

Yes, one usage of solar panels is to power cameras and other electronic devices. Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, which directly power cameras. Or cameras are charged from a battery if one is included in the solar panels system setup.

Solar panels are useful to use for outdoor security cameras, remote monitoring cameras, wildlife cameras, digital cameras, or any other camera system located in areas where it’s challenging to provide a constant source of electricity..

Solar-powered camera systems are commonly used in remote locations, off-grid areas, and for outdoor surveillance where it is challenging to run power cables or rely on conventional electrical sources.

What are Solar Panels Usages for Electric Vehicles (EVs)?

Solar panels are used on charging electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, by harnessing solar energy and providing auxiliary power or improving energy efficiency. Solar panels primary role is usually as a supplementary charging source rather than the sole or primary method of charging. In 2022, there were an estimated 918,500 light electric vehicle sales in the US, according to a 2023 report by the Congressional Research Service (CRS).

9 common usages of solar panels on vehicles are in the next list.

• RV (Recreational Vehicle). Solar panels are used to charge RV batteries. That include motorhomes, camper vans, travel trailers, and other types of mobile homes designed for recreational travel.
• Electric Cars and Hybrid Cars. Solar panels are integrated into the surfaces of electric cars and hybrid cars to charge the cars’ battery. 
• Bicycles and E-Bikes. Solar panels charge E-bikes while riding or parked in the sun. 
• Electric Scooter. Solar panels charge E-scooter.
• Campervans and RVs. Solar panels are often used on campervans and recreational vehicles (RVs) to provide power for appliances, lighting, and electronics. Solar panels charge auxiliary batteries, allowing for extended off-grid camping or travel without relying solely on the vehicle’s engine or external power sources.
• Boats and Marine Vehicles. Solar panels are used on boats and other marine vehicles to charge batteries and power equipment, such as navigation systems, lighting, and refrigeration. 
• Roof-Mounted Cargo Boxes. Solar panels on cargo boxes’ roofs for vehicles power interior lighting or charge devices while on the road.
• Emergency Vehicles. Solar panels are sometimes added to emergency response vehicles (ambulances and rescue trucks) to provide auxiliary power for medical equipment and lighting. 
• Off-Road Vehicles. Solar panels are used to charge batteries for winches, lights, and communication devices in remote areas.

What are Commercial Uses for Solar Panels?

Solar panels main 4 usages and examples in commercial applications are in the following list.

• Office buildings and Retail stores. Solar panels are used to generate electricity to power the building’s lighting, heating, and cooling systems.
• School. solar panels are used in schools to generate electricity and as educational tools.
• Agricultural operations. Solar panels are power agricultural operations (irrigation systems, greenhouses, and water treatment). 
• Manufacturing facilities. Solar panels are generate electricity to power the facility’s equipment and processes (manufacturing facilities, food processing, pharmaceutical industry).

Can Solar Panels Used for Schools?

Yes, solar panels are used in schools to provide 3 key benefits, including reducing energy costs, promoting sustainability, and offering educational opportunities. 3 ways in how solar panels are used in schools, in the next list.

• Generating Electricity. Solar panels are used on the rooftops or grounds of school buildings to generate electricity from sunlight. This electricity is used to power the school’s lighting, heating and cooling systems, computers, and other electrical equipment. 
• Educational Tool. Solar panel uses on school campuses serve as educational tools for students. Students also monitor the solar system’s performance and learn about energy conservation.
• Sustainability Initiatives. Schools use their solar panels installations as part of broader sustainability initiatives, showcasing their efforts to reduce carbon emissions and environmental impact. 

Can Solar Panels Used for Agriculture?

Yes, solar panels are commonly used in agriculture for various purposes. Solar power in agriculture offers 9 main benefits, including cost savings, sustainability, and energy independence. 9 applications of solar panels in agriculture are in the next list.

• Irrigation. Solar-powered water pumping systems are widely used for irrigation in remote or off-grid agricultural areas. Solar panels generate electricity to power water pumps, allowing farmers to draw water from wells or other water sources for crop irrigation.
• Livestock Watering. Solar-powered water pumps are used to provide a continuous supply of fresh water to livestock in remote or grazing areas. This ensures that animals have access to clean water, improving their health and well-being.
• Off-Grid Farming. Solar panels provide a reliable source of electricity for various farming operations, such as lighting, refrigeration, and machinery, in locations without access to the grid or in remote areas, 
• Greenhouses. Solar panels power greenhouse operations, providing electricity for ventilation, heating, and lighting. Solar-powered greenhouses create optimal growing conditions for crops and extend the growing season.
• Solar Drying. Solar panel’s dryers are used to dehydrate crops, fruits, and vegetables efficiently. These dryers use solar heat to remove moisture from agricultural products, preserving them for longer periods and reducing waste.
• Crop Monitoring and Automation. Solar panels are used to power sensors, cameras, and other monitoring devices used in precision agriculture. Then, these systems help farmers gather data on soil moisture, weather conditions, and crop health. They allow for more efficient resource management and decision-making.
• Remote Monitoring. Solar-powered surveillance cameras and security systems are used to monitor and protect farms and agricultural assets. 
• Solar-Powered Electric Fencing. Solar panels charge electric fences used to contain livestock or protect crops from wildlife.
• Backup Power. Solar panels combined with energy storage systems (batteries) provide backup power during grid outages. This combination ensur that critical farming equipment and operations continue to function.

Do Solar Panels Have Industrial Usage?

Yes, solar panels have 7 main industrial applications like (manufacturing facilities, food processing, chemical industry). Then, these applications help industries reduce energy costs, lower carbon emissions, and promote sustainability. 7 common industrial uses of solar panels are in the next list.

• Manufacturing Facilities. Solar panels are used to generate electricity. This solar power offsets a portion of the energy consumed by the manufacturing processes, reducing operational costs and carbon footprints.
• Food Processing. Use solar panels to generate electricity for various operations, including refrigeration, food preservation, and equipment power.
• Water Treatment Plants. Solar panels are used to power water treatment and wastewater treatment plants. Then, the generated solar electricity offsets the energy required for water purification and distribution.
• Mining Operations. Solar panels are used in combination with battery storage systems to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in these off-grid or semi-grid locations.
• Oil and Gas Exploration. Solar panels are used in remote oil and gas drilling operations to generate electricity for instrumentation, monitoring equipment, and communications systems.
• Construction Sites. Solar panels provide temporary power to construction sites for tools.
• Chemical Industry. Solar panels are used to power chemical manufacturing processes (including heating and cooling). As well as provide backup power in case of grid outages.

What are Solar Farms’ Uses?

Solar farms have 5 main usages and purposes include electricity generation, grid stabilization, energy access. A solar farm (a solar power plant) or (solar photovoltaic (PV) farm), is a large-scale installation of solar panels designed to generate electricity from sunlight. The following list illustrate the 5 usages of solar farm usages.

• Electricity Generation. The primary usage of a solar farm is to generate electricity from sunlight.
• Renewable Energy Generation. Solar farms produce clean, renewable energy, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
• Grid Stabilization. Solar farms help stabilize the electrical grid by supplying power during peak demand periods. Solar farms reduc the need for additional fossil fuel-based power generation. They also provide grid support services, such as frequency regulation and voltage control.
• Energy Independence. Solar farms reduce dependence on imported energy sources and help secure the energy supply.
• Energy Access. Solar farms combined with energy storage systems, in remote or off-grid areas. Solar farms provide access to electricity for communities that don not have had reliable power sources previously.

How to Use Solar Panels During Power Outage?

To use solar panels during a power outage to provide backup electricity requires some additional equipment, such as an energy storage system (batteries) and an inverter that operate in grid outage mode. In the next list there are 6 steps to set up and use solar panels during a power outage.

• Install Solar Panels. Ensure that your solar installation is designed to work with a backup power system.
• Install an Energy Storage System. To store excess electricity generated by your solar panels. Then, this stored energy is used to power your home when the grid is down.
• Add Grid-Tied Solar Inverter with Backup. Make sure your solar installation includes a grid-tied inverter with backup capability. This inverter disconnects from the grid during an outage. Then, it allows your solar panels to continue generating power that is used to charge your energy storage system and supply electricity to your home.
• Ask for Professional Installation. Installing an energy storage system and configuring your solar system for backup power is complex and should be done by a qualified professional. Thus, they ensure that the system is correctly set up to meet local regulations and safety standards.
• Add Automatic Transfer Switch. An automatic transfer switch (ATS) is a device that automatically disconnects your home from the grid when a power outage is detected and switches to your backup power source (solar panels and batteries). Thus, it ensures that your home is isolated from the grid to prevent back feeding electricity into the grid, which could be dangerous for utility workers.
• Install Monitoring System. Many modern energy storage systems come with monitoring and control apps that allow you to monitor home solar production, battery status, and energy usage in real time.

What are Solar Panels for Homes?

Solar power systems for houses capture sunlight and transform it into electrical power, which then is used to operate various home devices, lighting fixtures, and electrical installations even during power outage .

To use a solar panel system for home in power outage periods, you need some extra equipment (a battery and an inverter). You can charge a battery from solar panels, then the battery is used in many applications like solar-powered vehicles.

Can You Charge a Battery from Solar Panels?

Yes, you can charge a battery from solar panels. This is one of the primary usage of solar panels in many solar power systems. The DC electricity generated by the solar panels is used to charge the battery. Batteries used in solar power systems are typically deep-cycle batteries, designed to be charged and discharged repeatedly.

The process of charging a battery from solar panels is commonly used in various applications, including off-grid and backup power systems, solar-powered vehicles, and remote locations where access to the grid is limited.

To charge batteries from solar panels we recommend to properly configure the charge controller settings to match the battery type (e.g., lead-acid, lithium-ion). Also, ensure that it prevents overcharging.