In recent years the sun has noticeably gained strength
The sun is always available, especially in summer, and even if the clouds move in front of the direct sun, there is still enough energy to be used.
So perhaps it’s the right time to learn about the possibilities of using solar energy?
Solar panels deliver a green and efficient power supply
The most obvious and popular way of using solar energy is installing solar panels onto the roof of their summer house or a garden shed.
That is far from being the only option, though. In addition, you can use mobile solar systems, which accordingly offer greater flexibility. Many solar systems are directly connected to a device and, thus, provide it with the energy required for operating, e.g. pond pumps, fountains, irrigation systems or solar lighting elements.
Learn more about each of them below…
1. Solar Irrigation
This is a simple and sustainable way to water your plants fully and automatically. Thus, it can spare not only unnecessary resources but also some of your time. A solar-powered water pressure pump sucks in the water from any storage container or your own well and transports it straight to your plants.
No matter whether you want to get the water from a rain barrel or a well, there is a wide range of water pumps for any possible purpose to choose from. You can choose from a submersible pump, as its name says, it can be submerged into the water. This type of pump creates a vacuum and, thus, pulls the water up.
Another option would be a pressure pump that is connected to the hose of the water container. The water gets under pressure into a pump and, since the pump has a centrifugal form, its impellers pull the water out as the pressure increases. Naturally, the longer a garden hose the harder it will be to transport the water to the plants.
Make sure that your solar pump has sufficient power capacity. Speaking about the irrigation type, you can choose between economical drip irrigation, intensive surface irrigation or fine sprinkler irrigation mist.
An efficient sprinkler system saves time and water
Tip: Install the batteries to store the solar power generated during the day and, if necessary, use it at night.
2. Fountains
These come in many designs and installing options, one of which is a floating fountain. The fountain pump can float or be attached to the shallow water area using a suction foot. If a solar fountain pump is operated directly by a solar module (not a solar battery), its performance depends on the sunlight exposure of the module. As the sun’s energy gets weaker, the pump operates weaker too. And naturally, if the sun disappears, the pump stops working immediately.
A powerful garden watering system isn’t cheap….
3. Lanterns
In the evenings lanterns will make your garden livelier. Though the installation of lights usually requires a lot of effort, because you have to lay the power connections. Solar lights can be a green alternative to common lanterns. These shine during the evening and ensure safe and easy usage. Place the lanterns in the row along the garden paths to light them up.
4. Solar Thermal System
There are also solar thermal systems, which consist of special dark-coloured solar collectors. These collectors are filled with water or another liquid, which gets heated up by the sun. The heated water can be either used directly or serves as a heat transferrer.
Such solar thermal systems are used for heating water in a small garden pool. How does it function? The pool water circulates through the solar collector (or through several connected collectors). For circulation, a water pump is required, which can also be solar-powered.
5. Outdoor Shower
Want to quickly jump into the shower after the hard work in the garden or take a shower outdoors in the sunshine? There is an obvious solution – a solar garden shower!
Whether after work or a swim in the swimming pool, with a garden shower you can treat yourself to the soothing warmth of the water and enjoy the special feeling of having a warm shower in the garden at any time.
A shower outdoors is refreshing and energy efficient!
The water in a solar shower comes from a dark-coloured water tank, which is heated through sun rays. This makes this type of shower not only comfortable for the summer season but also sustainable. Another good thing about a garden shower is that it is pretty easy and inexpensive to install.
Naturally, the list of solar-powered devices and decoration is not limited to the above-given examples. There are many more options.
For example, with a bit of “handicraft”, you can build a charging station for a robotic lawnmower in which the battery is charged directly from solar energy. Installing large solar systems you can provide enough electricity to operate a refrigerator or even an outdoor kitchen.
Solar energy can give you much more than the independence you achieve with the solar systems, it gives you a possibility to go on leading a comfortable life you’re used to without harming the planet.