A criticism often leveled at solar energy is that it is not "base load". i.e. because it only generates electricity in daylight, without storage, it's not available 24/7. Storage is generally expensive &/or inefficient. Numerous schemes have been suggested, but have never reached production apart from for small applications. e.g. lead acid batteries for storage of solar for small communities.
In theory, solar electricity could be used to split water into hydrogen & oxygen. At night, the hydrogen & oxygen could be used directly (e.g. for heating or cooking) or to generate electricity.
In the item below, the system being developed generates hydrogen & oxygen directly from water with greater efficiency than photo voltaic systems.
If you think you cannot afford a solar power house at this time you can consider other options. Some people use solar power energy top heat their swimming pools. You can purchase a solar power heating system that was created for swimming pool specifically. You might decide to just install an inexpensive solar heating system to heat up your hot water heater for now.
ReplyDeleteSolar hot water is an excellent way to reduce use of fossil fuel in the home. Between October & April (southern hemisphere) a solar hot water system means my home uses no electricity for water heating. April to October, electricity is on for water heating for one hour a week. This is actually to control bacteria, rather than to heat the water for user comfort.
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