BKC Solutions Corner

If your thinking about making mega savings to your energy bill why not have a go at building your own solar panels? It’s much simpler than you think But that’s not the only way to use the sun’s energy to help light your home. Following are four more ways you can use solar lighting for your home.

The Technology of Domestic Solar Power

Skylights: Of the passive lighting sources used in homes, skylights are the most common. Skylights are an incredible resource with which to capture light if there is no other way for natural light to achieve this, or the room is so small.They are a great way of getting natural light, particularly for rooms that have small or no windows. Skylights can sometimes deliver more natural light to a room than windows, because their rooftop location exposes them to the sun all through the day.

Solar light tubes: Solar light tubes are effective for rooms without windows such as hallways, closets, interior bathrooms, and garages. This may appear to be modern technology, but solar light tubes were evidently utilized by the ancient Egyptians.  Solar light tubes are usually smaller than skylights, typically only 9 to 12 inches in diameter. They are installed through the roof and use reflective material to increase the light that is delivered through the tube. Because of the reflective material, the tubes can be effective even on overcast days since they don’t require direct or bright sunlight to work effectively. Although solar light tubes can be added to most existing roofs, it’s easiest to put them in during construction.
Solar exterior lighting is extremely efficient. It is powered by small solar cells that absorb sunlight during the day, then store it for use at night. The solar cell(s) can be placed in a sunny position and wired to the lighting fixture if the fixture’s location doesn’t receive enough direct sunlight during the day to power it.

Understanding DIY Solar Cell Technology

You can get a solar powered version of just about any type of exterior lighting. Porch lights, patio lights, spot lights and security lights that include motion detectors can all be run using solar cells. This is a great feature for security lighting as it will still function during power outages.

Solar landscaping lights look nice while also being very practical. They can be used for many purposes and come in a variety of sizes and styles. Can you imagine arriving home in the evening or when friends visit and see your beautiful gardens illuminated looking like a magazine cover? Smaller fixtures can light driveways and garden borders. Higher level lighting will illuminate outdoor living areas like patios or gazebos. Mid-level lighting with non-glare screens are a good option for lighting sidewalks or footpaths. Party lights can be used for special occasions or to create an ambiance for outdoor living areas.

Using passive solar lighting is a fun and easy way to start utilizing solar power. You could begin with a few affordable garden lights. If you purchase a new house or replace your roof, think about using skylights and even solar light tubes.

Here’s our recommended guide to solar lighting. It gives tips on all sorts of ideas that you can use solar energy to cut down on your energy bills. Be self sufficient. Be different. This indeed is the future.

The Simple Guide To Homemade Solar Cell Technology