What Are Solar Panels Used for?

Solar panels are manufactured from silicon. The silicon transfers the solar energy into electricity, which can then be harnessed and utilized in different areas of your home and business. They can harness solar energy from direct sunlight as well as indirect sunlight, such as when it is cloudy. Photovoltaic solar panels transfer sunlight into electricity and solar thermal collectors convert solar energy to heat liquids, such as water or oil.

Spacecraft

Photovoltaic solar panels are utilized on spacecraft traveling inside the solar system to provide electricity for propulsion and help operate sensors on the spaceship.

Water Heaters

Solar thermal panels can be used to collect energy to heat water contained in water heaters within your home. You can add a back up heater to provide extra heat during winter months when there is less sunlight available.

Charge Batteries

Miniature solar panels are used on solar battery chargers. You can set them in the sun and the solar panels charge a lithium battery contained in the unit.

Cell Phone Chargers

Solar panels are available to charge cell phones. The panels store the sun's energy in a lithium battery and provide extra assurance during power outages. It usually takes about 8 to 10 hours of sunlight to fully charge the solar panel unit.

iPod Chargers

Solar panels are used in solar chargers to charge your iPod. You can also get them with USB ports for alternate charging abilities.

Resources

• Learn more about solar panels