The Solar Penetration: How Solar Power is Powering Our Daily Lives - Asia Pacific | Energetica India Magazine

Innovations like solar-powered cookers, pumps, and generators further demonstrate solar’s potential to address environmental and energy challenges on both domestic and industrial scales. As solar technology continues to evolve, it is poised to become an integral part of our everyday lives, offering eco-friendly solutions for a sustainable future.

October 18, 2024. By News Bureau

Solar power has solidified its position as the leader in renewable energy and is expected to maintain its dominance for many years to come. Beyond the familiar rooftop solar panels, photovoltaic (PV) cells are now being embedded into everyday items, changing how we utilise energy. From clothing and gadgets to transportation accessories, solar power is becoming an increasingly efficient and accessible source of energy in everyday life.

Over the last decade, the global use of solar energy has seen an extraordinary increase. In 2022 alone, approximately 447 GW of new solar PV capacity was added worldwide, representing an impressive 87 percent increase compared to 2021.

This rapid growth hasn’t been seen since 2010, a time when the solar market was just 4 percent of its current size. Thanks to its increasing affordability and versatility, solar technology is becoming a standard feature in many day-to-day products.

Solar-powered gadgets harness the sun’s energy through integrated solar panels that convert sunlight into usable electricity. These devices include everything from small items such as phone chargers and lanterns to larger systems like generators and home energy solutions.

The variety of solar-powered products on the market today continues to grow, with offerings that include solar-powered lights, cookers, water heaters, and battery storage systems. These innovations are bringing solar energy into the hands of everyday consumers, extending its reach far beyond industrial applications.

Solar water heaters (SWHs) are one of the most straightforward and effective applications of solar thermal technology. These systems capture energy from the sun to heat water for domestic and industrial purposes. Solar water heating setups typically consist of water storage tanks, piping, and solar collectors, making them cost-effective, pollution-free, and capable of significantly reducing electricity bills.

According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), SWHs with capacities ranging from 100 to 500 litres per day (LPD) are ideal for residential use, while larger systems can serve institutions like hotels, restaurants, and hospitals.

The global solar water heater market is projected to grow from USD 4.26 billion in 2023 to USD 6.18 billion by 2028, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4 percent, particularly driven by demand in the Asia-Pacific region.

Another practical use of solar energy is solar cookers, which offer an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to prepare meals. Solar cookers retain more nutrients in food while providing an affordable and sustainable cooking solution.

Solar Cookers are well-suited for use in community kitchens, schools, religious centres, hotels, and hospitals. According to MNRE, a solar cooker can save 35 to 40 LPG cylinders annually when used to its full potential in a community kitchen. Steam-based solar cookers are particularly popular in temples like the Shirdi Sai Temple in Maharashtra.

The global market for solar cookers, valued at USD 286.26 million in 2022, is projected to reach USD 616.61 million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 8.9 percent.

Solar-powered water pumps offer a sustainable and efficient method of supplying water for irrigation, drinking, and other purposes, reducing dependency on diesel, gas, or coal. These pumps are ideal for rural and remote areas, providing a reliable and eco-friendly water supply.

The demand for solar pumps is expected to increase due to rising agricultural activities and the need for clean water, with the market forecasted to grow to USD 5.64 billion by 2028 at an annual growth rate of 10.2 percent.

In India, government initiatives such as the PM-KUSUM scheme are promoting solar pump adoption to reduce the environmental impact of fossil-fuel-based pumps and enhance clean energy solutions.

One of the most successful integrations of solar energy into daily life is the solar charger. These portable devices harness solar power to charge smartphones, tablets, and other small electronics, making them an essential tool for travellers, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone who may not have regular access to power sources.

The solar charger market was valued at USD 0.6 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow to USD 1.9 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 12.5 percent. North America leads this market, accounting for nearly two-fifths of the global revenue.

Solar-powered power banks are becoming indispensable for modern users. These devices store solar energy and can charge multiple devices simultaneously, making them essential during power outages, outdoor trips, or as backup power sources. The solar power bank market is expected to grow significantly, from USD 14.67 billion in 2024 to USD 25.74 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 8.4 percent.

Solar generators are gaining popularity as an eco-friendly alternative to gas-powered generators. These portable systems use solar panels to capture and store energy in batteries, which can then be used to power devices or even entire homes during emergencies.

A solar generator with a 20 KW storage capacity can power a household for up to eight hours. The global solar generator market, valued at USD 551.93 million in 2023, is forecasted to grow to USD 1,018.29 million by 2032, with a CAGR of 6.54 percent.

Outdoor solar lights are now among the most common applications of solar technology. These lights charge during the day and automatically illuminate at night, making them perfect for gardens, pathways, and patios. Many solar lights now come equipped with motion sensors, which reduce energy consumption by activating only when needed. These lights are easy to install and operate without the need for complex wiring.

Solar-powered attic fans offer an innovative way to control temperature and moisture in attic spaces, reducing the load on air conditioning systems. These eco-friendly devices improve air quality, prevent moisture accumulation, and help extend roof life, all while operating on renewable solar energy.

Solar-powered wearables are another fascinating area of solar integration. Some of the popular examples include solar-powered watches, backpacks, bluetooth headphones, etc.

Charging batteries can be inconvenient, especially for devices like watches. Solar-powered watches offer long-lasting, eco-friendly alternatives. With more brands adopting solar technology, these watches now come in a variety of styles, from casual to sporty. Solar backpacks are practical solutions for charging electronic devices on the go, equipped with small solar panels and battery packs.

Solar-powered Bluetooth headphones and earbuds are also becoming more common, offering up to 80 hours of battery life, while solar-powered bike helmets power safety lights and even bone conduction speakers.

Low-energy appliances can often run entirely on solar power. Larger appliances, like refrigerators, washers, and dryers, also come in energy-efficient models, making them suitable for solar-powered homes. Solar-powered coolers are a popular option, keeping food cold longer and eliminating the need for ice. These coolers work with portable power stations that store solar energy and supply it as needed.

Solar-powered ultrasonic animal deterrents are another innovative product. These devices, with built-in batteries, use ultrasonic sound and light to keep animals away, emitting signals that only animals can hear.

Other solar-powered gadgets include Bluetooth speakers, calculators, flashlights, wireless keyboards, security cameras, umbrellas, and Wi-Fi-enabled garbage bins—each showcasing the versatility of solar energy in modern technology.

From gadgets like solar-powered chargers and wearables to larger appliances such as refrigerators and water heaters, the integration of photovoltaic technology is becoming more accessible and versatile. The surge in solar adoption in recent years illustrates the growing demand for clean and sustainable energy. Innovations like solar-powered cookers, pumps, and generators further demonstrate solar’s potential to address environmental and energy challenges on both domestic and industrial scales. As solar technology continues to evolve, it is poised to become an integral part of our everyday lives, offering eco-friendly solutions for a sustainable future.

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