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7 Applications of Solar Energy

7 Applications of Solar Energy

Last updated on September 18, 2025

This article discusses the seven most common applications of solar energy and how we can use it in our lives.

Solar energy is a highly beneficial and practical source that is typically used to take advantage of its two main forms: heat and light. We use solar energy to charge vehicles, to generate power with photovoltaic (PV) cells and to heat water.

  1. Generation of solar power
  2. Water heating
  3. Drying of agricultural and animal products
  4. Solar heating
  5. Solar energy lighting
  6. Solar pumping water for irrigation
  7. Solar energy water distillation

1. Generation of Solar Power (Electricity)

The reduction in the prices of solar panels and their improved durability have driven more people to select them as alternatives for powering their homes and industries.

Solar energy generates electricity through photovoltaic cells, which convert direct sunlight to electricity. The energy generated by the solar power system can be used to offset or even to completely replace the user’s monthly bills.

using solar energy to generate electricity for home
Image: Solar energy application for electricity generation

Excess power can be sent to the grid for other consumers within the locality to consume. With solar energy, you have a choice between on-grid and off-grid systems. Off-grid systems depend solely on solar energy, with no connections or power from utility companies.

The system is connected to solar batteries to guarantee backup power operation during the night, cloudy days and emergencies.

On-grid systems, on the other hand, are connected to a solar energy system and to a utility company source, to fluctuate between the two depending on the conditions and need.

Excess energy produced by your solar energy can be stored in battery banks but can also be fed back into the grid, where the power provider distributes it to other customers, which has a great effect on offsetting your electric bills.

And in case your solar system fails to generate power, the electric utility company can meet your electricity needs.

2. Water Heating

Water heating is another important application of solar energy. Solar energy is commonly used to heat water in our homes, industries, hotels and even hospitals.

solar water heating system circuit diagram
Image: Solar energy application for water heating

Homeowners use rooftop photovoltaic cells (PV) to absorb heat from the sun and heat the water in an insulated water tank, which stores the hot water for a considerable time for use in our homes.

Solar systems can also heat swimming pools by circulating water through a solar collector, which is warmed by the sunlight, before using it again in the swimming pools.

3. Drying of Agricultural and Animal Products

Solar energy can also be used to dry agricultural and animal products such as fruits, milk, fish, potato chips, and maize grains.

Products are placed in a cabinet dryer comprising a box with a foundation insulated at the bottom, an interior side painted black and covered with an inclined transparent sheet.

Ventilation holes are punctured at the bottom and top to allow air to circulate over the drying material, located on perforated trays inside the cabinet.

4. Solar Heating

You can use solar energy for space heating of homes and businesses. Devices like Flat plate collectors convert solar radiation into heat (thermal energy).

Also read: What is the cost of installing a solar panel

The Flat plate collectors consist of a blackened metal plate with a transparent sheet of glass cover and a thermal insulation layer underneath it that is heated by the sunlight.

solar panel connected to the inverter system
Image: Solar energy application for space heating

The metal collector absorbs heat from the sun and transfers it to the water or air as a carrier fluid that flows through the plate to the insulated water tank that stores hot or warm water.

This heating water system can also supply your home with hot or warm water flowing through the ceiling or floor tubes.

When the building needs heat, the hot water or air can be transferred by conventional equipment like fans, air outlets, and ducts from these collectors or devices to the building’s interior spaces.

5. Solar Energy Lighting

Solar energy is a suitable solution for security lights, street lights, indoor lights, and road signs as they are affordable, environmentally friendly and readily available.

You can use solar energy to light your home or business, as it is a great option to save on electricity, energy and costs and does not dissipate or lose power as do other energy systems.

6. Solar Pumping Water For Irrigation

The solar energy generated by a solar panel system can be used to pump water to use for irrigation during the summer.

Also read: How many solar panels do I need?

During hot seasons, crops lose more water through the transpiration process, but at the same time, solar panels generate more solar energy because they get a high exposure to sunlight. This makes solar energy solutions great to use for irrigation purposes because it is readily available and cheap.

7. Solar Energy Water Distillation

Solar energy can greatly help distil water, especially in arid, semi-arid, or coastal areas with saline water and plenty of sunlight. Sunlight in these areas can be used to convert saline water into pure water for consumption.

Water distillation using solar energy
Image: Solar energy application for water distillation

Solar heat is transferred through transparent glass to a shallow blackened basin containing saline water. The heat radiation gets absorbed and is converted into heat in the blackened bay.

The heat evaporates from the saline, as pure water from the saline, in the form of vapour, condenses into pure water and is collected in basins and shifted to water tank storage.

Solar energy has numerous benefits to your health, finances, environment and well-being.

You can use solar energy for lighting, distilling water, drying crops, and animal products. You can also use it to power air ventilators in your house and irrigate crops during summer.

Apart from being durable and cheap, solar energy systems can also add value to your property, offering more value than any other type of energy system.

7 Applications of Solar Energy (Infographics)

7 Applications of solar energy Infographic view
Can solar panels be installed on water bodies like reservoirs?


Yes, they can! Known as floating solar farms or “floatovoltaics,” these installations sit atop reservoirs or lakes. They save land, reduce evaporation, and even cool water, offering environmental and efficiency gains. 

What are solar canopies, and where are they used?

Solar canopies are photovoltaic structures mounted over parking lots, patios, and even Tesla Supercharger stations. They generate electricity while providing shade and protection from the weather. 

How can solar power be used in trash disposal systems?

Solar-powered trash and recycling compactors use integrated solar panels to operate, increasing bin capacity by up to eight times and reducing collection frequency by 80%. 

Is there solar fabric that charges devices on the go?

Yes, solar cell fabrics embed photovoltaic cells into textiles, commonly seen in items like solar backpacks or clothing, enabling on-the-move energy harvesting. 

Can solar panels help in disaster relief?

Absolutely, portable solar systems are vital in emergencies. They power medical facilities, clean-water units, and communication systems when grid access is impossible. 

What are rooftop agrivoltaic systems?


Rooftop agrivoltaics combine solar energy with urban agriculture, growing crops beneath rooftop solar panels. This dual-use approach boosts yields, reduces building heat, and enhances efficiency. 

Can solar energy be used without grid access?

Absolutely. Portable solar devices and off-grid systems (with batteries) provide power in remote areas, disaster zones, or during blackouts.

How is solar energy used in transportation?

Solar energy powers electric vehicle charging stations and solar-integrated vehicles, such as bikes, boats, and public transit shuttles.

Is solar energy used in space?

Yes. Satellites and spacecraft use solar panels as their primary power source because solar cells are lightweight and reliable.

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E-Green Electrical

E-Green Electrical is a top tier energy efficiency company based in Sydney. We focus on utilising government rebates to help reduce our clients energy consumption by installing energy efficient solutions. E-Green boasts a rich heritage within the realm of energy efficiency, consistently staying up to date with cutting-edge technologies to deliver optimal results for our valued customers.

We don't just sell products and services; we also provides tips and information on how to help reduce energy consumption. We believe in using energy wisely and teaching others how to do the same. For E-Green, it’s important to share knowledge with the community. That's why we regularly write articles about saving energy, new government rebates available and increasing sustainability.

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