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As the cost of alternative energy solutions decreases and more incentive and rebate programs are carried out, more companies and public groups are implementing environmentally friendly practices. Some consumers still struggle with the high cost of many “green” products, but what they may not realize is the many ways solar power is currently being implemented into our daily lives. There are many financially feasible options consumers have to utilize solar energy, but knowing about the options is key. Here are a few interesting ways solar power is being applied to the daily lives of people worldwide.

Solar Signs

Although everyone may not realize it, there currently is widespread use of solar energy to power roadside signs. Billboards, real estate, construction, and traffic signs are all examples of common signs that are solar powered. Some counties are also looking in to solar powering school zone signs in order to save on electric costs.  The signs use energy from the sun to generate and store power, creating an environmentally friendly way to promote safety.

Solar Powered Public Restrooms

Dubai has recently decided to install solar powered toilets throughout the city for the public’s use. PV panels will be used as an energy source for the lighting, fans, and water pumps for the toilets. Leaders of the project hope this initiative will raise environmental awareness and be a model for other similar projects.

Parking Meters

The city of Portland will soon be installing solar powered parking meters downtown. The meters will be able to accept coins and credit or debit cards. Parking meters receive many hours of sunlight throughout the day so this is a great use of solar powered energy. This movement towards a high-tech, environmentally friendly meter system is a great model for other cities to consider when they replace older or worn out systems.

Using the Sun to Charge Your Cell Phone

The widespread use of cell phones makes the cellular industry a great place to make a big impact. Technology companies are starting to utilize this advantage by creating solar powered cell phone chargers. There are two different options for the chargers, one that powers the phone directly and the other comes as a battery pack that can be charged in the sun. By making small changes such as this to our everyday lives, we can make big changes to the future of our environment.

Solar Panels Installed in Detention Facilities

The Middlesex County jail in New Jersey is looking to install solar panels in order to generate electricity to run the facility. The panels could produce enough energy to also serve subsidiary facilities such as vehicle garages, the sheriff’s substation, and a variety of offices. The implementation of this solar panel system for the jail could cut energy costs by several hundred thousand dollars! The proposed system and the savings it will create will benefit the community as a whole and is a great system for other counties to consider.

Biodiesel Ice Pop Truck

Sungevity, a residential solar panel company, created a solar powered popsicle truck that is on the road this summer hitting up farmers markets, festivals, and other public events on the East Coast.  The truck utilizes biodiesel and solar power technologies, and it is a means of educating the public on residential solar energy solutions. Learning about solar power and organic popsicles… I’m in!

Many people these days are looking for ways to go “green” in order to do what we can to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ultimately benefit the future of our planet. The support and implementation of solar energy by various organizations sets a great example for the rest of society.  We are just at the beginning of discovering the countless ways to utilize solar.

(Image Credit: http://www.tapconet.com/)

Tagged as: solar, solar charger, solar parking meter, solar restroom, solar sign, solar truck