Solar isn’t just the next big trend—it’s here to stay. Energy from the sun will be available for as long as we’re around, and the technology that helps us harness it is steadily improving. The best part is that with the right equipment, turning radiant light from the sun into direct current electricity is always free. And when we make use of that free energy in our homes, we save money, establish greater independence from utility companies with their rising rates, and better protect the environment and its resources.
Some people are deterred from using solar energy because they’re not ready to invest in the equipment required to install a rooftop photovoltaic solar system. If that’s you, there are still ways you can save money on your monthly energy bills. In fact, if you ever plan on going solar, buying energy-efficient appliances first will reduce your home’s energy demands. This could in turn reduce the amount of solar cells needed to cover the demand, and thereby save you money. Check out these solar appliances that will cut back your utility use, and then head over to Modernize for more ideas on incorporating solar power into your home.
Solar Tube Lighting
Bad lighting inside your home can be frustrating. It makes even the easiest tasks hard on the eyes. If you spend much of your time in a room that has no access to daylight, you’re probably suffering under a bright yellow overhead light or desk lamp. But with a solar tube, you can bring evenly-distributed daylight to interior rooms or hallways that have no access to it otherwise. Solar tubes capture sunlight using a rooftop dome, draw it through a reflective tube, and distribute it into your room by way of a diffuser that looks somewhat like an ordinary overhead light fixture. Solar tubes can be installed to provide light just about anywhere you need one, which means you can turn off your lights during the day and conserve energy.
Fridge
A solar fridge may seem somewhat ironic since it’s the sun that provides the energy to keep the appliance cold. But solar fridges can stabilize at low temperatures, keeping everything from food to medical supplies fresh, wherever you are. This is the perfect appliance for people who live in remote areas or like to buy supplies in bulk.
There are also solar powered, battery operated freezers to keep your food fresh without the monthly financial sacrifice. Solar powered freezers and refrigerators work great for houses that aren’t tied to the grid. They are available in various sizes to accommodate your storage needs, and they are great for RV trips or long stays at a remote cabin or campsite.
Attic Fan
Your HVAC system is responsible for most of the energy your home uses, meaning it accounts for the biggest chunk of your monthly electricity bill. There are several ways to improve the efficiency of your HVAC, from adding attic insulation to seeking out and repairing leaks that cause the heat to escape and ultimately be wasted. But one of the tricks that might not immediately come to mind is the use of a solar powered attic fan.
A solar attic fan will help stabilize the temperature in your attic as well as keep moisture away from vulnerable structural aspects. This will also protect whatever personal belongings you store up there. Most importantly, keeping the attic space moderate will also stabilize your indoor home temperature, making your family more comfortable and saving you money on heating and air. This appliance requires no electrical wiring, making for low-hassle installation.
Yard Lights
Solar yard lighting is convenient, easy, and affordable. Outdoor solar yard lights preserve energy and help make your yard a more secure yet inviting area. One of the advantages of solar lights is that, due to the fact that they require no electrical wiring, they can be conveniently installed where traditional lights are difficult to install, such as the very edge of your yard or even within your pathway. Solar lights are low maintenance and free to use. They can also add aesthetic accents to your home. There are thousands of options when it comes to porch lights, yard lights, flood lights, and path markers.
Sun Oven
You may think of solar ovens as simply a science project you tried out at summer camp one time, but have you thought of using one to make meals at home? A solar powered oven reaches the same temperatures as your home oven, but it doesn’t use any fuel. It also protects you and your family from the danger of fire. Most people think of solar ovens as something that makes cooking while camping a little easier—but you can use it in your backyard on any sunny day.
You can choose one that is better suited for personal use if you’re cooking for just yourself and another person, but there are also large ovens that allow you to prepare meals for more people. They allow you to bake, boil, or steam your food for variety. But the biggest advantage of a solar oven, and many solar appliances in general, is that it helps prepare you for an emergency. In the event of an emergency, you may not have access to fuel that allows you to cook food or heat water. Solar ovens can also help you dry out firewood.
Water Heater
Did you know you can use sunshine to heat your water? Solar water heaters use the concept of passive solar energy. This means that it requires a roof-mounted panel full of fluid to collect heat, then uses that fluid to transport the heat to your water tank. A solar water heating system can cut your water costs in half, and it can help you independently heat your water without relying on traditional utilities as much as you would otherwise.
Ultimately, solar appliances better prepare their users to deal with the challenges of surviving without access to utilities and electricity. With each solar appliance you buy, you become more self-sufficient and less reliant on outside sources of energy and fuel. These renewable energy solutions will help you and your family feel safe and secure in the event of an emergency.
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