Solar energy, due to Turkey’s location in the Northern Hemisphere, is in a much more advantageous position compared to many countries. Along with the geographical advantage of our country, solar energy is used in various fields as an environmentally friendly and sustainable energy source. So, what are the main usage areas of solar energy?
Here are the primary usage areas of solar energy:
Electricity Generation
Heating
Cooling
Lighting
Ventilation
Agriculture and Irrigation
Livestock
Transportation
Industry
Space Technologies
Portable Devices
Electricity Generation
Photovoltaic Panels: Solar panels directly convert sunlight into electricity, widely used in homes, workplaces, and large-scale solar power plants.
Solar Power Plants: Large-scale plants are established to meet the electricity needs of cities.
Heating
Solar Collectors: Solar energy is used to heat water, commonly used to supply hot water in homes and commercial buildings.
Solar-Powered Heating Systems: Heating systems powered by solar energy are used for building heating.
Cooling
Solar-Powered Cooling Systems: Cooling systems powered by solar energy provide energy savings, especially in hot climates.
Storage Facilities: Solar-powered cold storage facilities are used for preserving harvested products.
Lighting
Solar-Powered Street Lights: Street lights powered by solar panels enhance energy efficiency in cities and rural areas.
Solar-Powered Garden Lights: Garden and park lights powered by solar energy reduce energy costs.
Ventilation
Enclosed Spaces: Solar energy can provide necessary energy for enclosed spaces requiring intensive ventilation.
Chimneys: Energy needs for ventilation in production facilities requiring chimney ventilation can be met.
Agriculture and Irrigation
Solar-Powered Irrigation Systems: Solar-powered pumps are used for irrigation in agricultural fields.
Greenhouses: Solar-heated greenhouses support plant growth processes.
Livestock
Animal Farms: Solar energy systems can meet the energy needs of various electronic devices and machines in livestock farms.
Beekeeping: Solar energy systems can be used for energy needs in production processes in this field.
Transportation
Solar-Powered Vehicles: Cars, bicycles, and boats powered by solar panels reduce fossil fuel use.
Solar-Powered Charging Stations: Solar-powered charging stations for electric vehicles provide sustainable transportation solutions.
Industry
Industrial Sector: Solar energy systems support energy needs in the industrial sector to reduce energy costs.
Space Technologies
Satellites and Spacecraft: Solar panels are used to meet the energy needs of satellites and spacecraft.
Portable Devices
Solar-Powered Chargers: Solar-powered chargers for mobile phones and other portable devices are useful, especially in camping and outdoor activities.
These extensive usage areas of solar energy reduce dependence on fossil fuels and contribute significantly to environmental conservation. With advancing technology, the usage areas of solar energy are expanding widely. PV solar power is a great option for those who want to invest in energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Water Pump Work with Solar Energy?
When properly designed, solar-powered irrigation systems can operate all pumps ranging from 1 to 150 horsepower.
Is a Permit Required for Solar Power Plant (GES) Installation?
According to a Presidential Decree published in the Official Gazette on August 25, 2022, Solar Power Plants (GES) are defined as non-industrial establishments under the new regulation.
Can Solar Energy be Installed in Apartment Buildings?
Solar energy installation on apartment and complex roofs is possible if the conditions set by the Court of Cassation are met.
The conditions to be met are as follows:
- Not to disrupt the main structure aesthetics.
- Proportionate to the land share of the apartment owners.
- Sufficient space left considering that apartment owners can also install this system.
- Installation to be carried out in a way that does not cause water leakage like rainwater.