Imagine this. One day when You wake up in the morning, sorry not morning, at 6 AM, and find out that there no trace of sunlight from the east, what would be your reaction? Unimaginable, right? Sun is the ultimate source of energy without which everything ends up in darkness and eventually, everything will decay. It provides life to the whole planet and also powers all other renewable energy systems as well as water and carbon cycles.
We have this unlimited source of power, then why we burn fossil fuels? It is a clear fact that fossil fuels have started counting their last day. This certitude will not make us panic if we have solar power with all its extreme potential. Do you know that an hour of solar radiation has the power to meet up all our energy needs for an entire year? But we require more efficient, systematic, and structured systems for the absolute exploitation of solar energy.
We are now going to explore the world of future solar technologies and its infinite benefits.
Table of Contents
Solar tree
We know that trees are oxygen zones with numerous other benefits. But what may be the connection of tree with solar? As the name indicates from the concept of a solar tree we can reap the benefits of both solar energy and a tree. Solar lights are allowed to spread over a tree like a climber. It is not only an amusement for the human eye but also a light providing station at night.
Another way of connecting the concept of trees and solar energy is quite interesting. We are able to convert solar panels into a tree. Amusing, right? When a solar panel is constructed in the form of a tree, expanding its branches into the atmosphere, it becomes a center of shade, absorbing solar rays. It saves space too since roots require less area while branches spread out.
Robotic solar panel
In this modern age, every single point has a robotic touch. When it touches the field of solar technology the results are mind-blowing. As we know solar panels are usually fixed to a place like a plant and can absorb sunlight only when it falls on them. Sunflower is an exception that traces the sunlight. Using robotic techniques we can convert solar panel into a ‘sunflower’ which follows every movement of the sun thereby increasing the byproduct and efficiency.
Floating solar panels
71% of our planet is covered with water. When we have such an enormous amount of sunlight falling area, why not water for trapping solar radiation to produce useful work? Sure, solar panels can be spread on water, covering large areas, with more intensity of sunlight falling on them. The water surface cools solar panels which in turn increases its efficiency. Solar panels are also placed above canals hence reducing evaporation of water which can be used in turn for irrigation and other human needs.
Agrovoltaic
In this technique, we can simultaneously use agricultural lands for food production and power generation using solar panels to reap the benefits from both sections. When air between panel and crops is consistent a lower temperature is formed. This helps plants to maintain an optimal temperature for its growth. Solar panels also get benefited from the plants since it cools panel for better efficiency. Thus agriculture and solar power complement each other.
Solar panels on air
Technology and high order thinking of humans placed solar panels on air too. They are attached to a flying object usually a 3D balloon. It allows sunlight to fall on it, making use of each trace of light. Solar panels have been used on airplanes also; it will carry batteries that stored electricity from its panels for use at nights. Thus we can attain results from solar radiation before it touches the land.
Solar panels on a building
Solar panels on the roof for trapping sunlight are not a new piece of information for us. But the roof is not the last piece of an area in a house or building for the setting up of solar panels. In the morning glowing golden sunlight enters our house through windows. Let us trap it! Yes, we can use window frames with solar cells attached to it, so that those radiations can be converted into useful work, in the form of electricity.
Buildings with solar panels
Buildings with solar panels! You may find the sentence crazy but when solar technology improves day by day we have to expect such a result. We can create an entire building using solar panels, not with the typical blue colored solar panel. There are techniques by which solar panels are attached between the layers of bricks, stones, etc. So when light falls on the building we can produce energy.
Solar truck
The increased level of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere, brought about by the increased burning of fossil fuels, is now agreed by almost all climate scientists to be the cause of rapidly accelerating climate change and rising global temperature. Vehicles on which solar panels attached to them are a great option for energy conversion. When the truck moves around, it stores the radiations which then converted into energy. Usually, vehicles are often exposed to sunlight and it is possible to make use of it. When we use cyber trucks we are left with no polluting fumes. Once the car is bought, the ‘fuel’ that powers it, is completely free.
Sunshade
Just think of that scorching heat of the sun on a sunny day. Congested cities can use their traffic prone areas for harvesting electricity. It offers shade to travelers who otherwise are exposed to direct sun radiation for long hours. This energy can be trapped using solar panels and convert it into electricity. So while waiting and enjoying the shade, you become a part of energy conversion.
Solar distillation
Even if we possess abundant sources of water, scarcity for freshwater is high. So, purification is of prime importance. Solar radiation purifies water and makes it completely germ-free. At the same time, solar radiation can be used to desalinate water. Radiation is allowed to pass through a transparent glass sheet into a shallow blackened basin that contains saline water. On the black surface, solar radiation gets converted into heat which evaporates water. The vapors then condense to pure water.
Solar pumping
Solar power can be used in a very efficient manner in the field of agriculture especially in the field of irrigation. Solar energy can be used to pump water for irrigation purposes. During summers, when the need for water is high, the sun shines with more power and intensity, thus contributes more towards the irrigation sector. During other seasons plants require comparatively less water since the transpiration rate is also low. Thus, considering all these factors we can say that solar power is the most suitable option for pumping up water for irrigation.
Final Words
There is no doubt that solar technology has the power to transform the world. Solar energy has emerged as the star of the energy revolution. It is high time to concentrate more on the field of solar technology. Make sure that we use those golden rays of the sun in the right way, to produce immense energy for the world. Let us install more solar power for a ‘bright’ future.
Author: Ashna George ( She is an aspiring author who has an intense passion for literature and science.)