# 9 Creative Uses for Solar That You Might Not Have Thought of Yet - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/11/9-creative-uses-for-solar-that-you-might-not-have-thought-of-yet/ - Published: 2017-11-08T06:04:29-05:00 - Author: greenlivingguy Talk about creative uses of solar!  I mean if you spend any amount of time researching renewable energy options such as solar power, you inevitably hear about two benefits: cost savings on utility bills and smaller carbon footprints. Such advantages are wonderful, but you may need more reasons than those to invest in solar power. Below, we cover nine unique ways to use solar power that don’t include [cutting-edge airplanes](https://www.theatlantic.com/photo/2016/07/flying-around-the-world-in-a-solar-powered-plane/493085/) or space stations. Rather, they focus on small actions designed to enhance your everyday, sustainable lifestyle so you can take the next step in your green energy investments. #### 󠀁[⌊If you spend any amount of time researching renewable energy options such as solar power you inevitably hear about two benefits cost savings on utility bills and smaller carbon footprints Such advantages are wonderful but you may need more reasons than those to invest in solar power   below we cover nine unique ways to use solar power that dont include cutting edge airplanes or space stations Rather they focus on small actions designed to enhance your everyday sustainable lifestyle so you can take the next step in your green energy investments  ⌉⌊If you spend any amount of time researching renewable energy options such as solar power you inevitably hear about two benefits cost savings on utility bills and smaller carbon footprints Such advantages are wonderful but you may need more reasons than those to invest in solar power   below we cover nine unique ways to use solar power that dont include cutting edge airplanes or space stations Rather they focus on small actions designed to enhance your everyday sustainable lifestyle so you can take the next step in your green energy investments  ⌉󠀁[1. Become an Energy Tycoon In some states, you can sell excess solar energy back to the utility grid. Sounds like a win-win for everyone. You save on utility costs and maybe even take a profit while the energy provider receives non-fossil-fueled power to put back into the grid. #### **2. Heat Your Water** Solar power often transforms light into electricity. However, with a [solar water heater](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/01/nyserda-funds-clean-energy-for-innovative-solutions/) or rooftop collector, you can collect sunlight to heat water for your home. The collector typically augments a traditional gas or electric heating system, helping you maintain access to hot water during a prolonged cold spell or constantly changing weather. #### **3. Secure Your Home** Solar-powered lighting can be smart in more ways than one. Yes, it helps decrease utility costs. However, a solar-powered motion light, including the [Litom Solar Security Light](https://www.amazon.com/Litom-Illumination-Wireless-Waterproof-Security/dp/B01JS285JS/), reacts to people’s presence around the outside of your home. The light turns on when it detects a person and turns off in the person’s absence, increasing your home and personal security. #### **4. Light Up the Night** Solar power tends to receive a lot of attention inside the home, but it poses benefits outside too. Once you stake [outdoor solar lights](https://www.amazon.com/URPOWER-LED-Adjustable-Spotlight-Landscape/dp/B01EMK3UH8/) into the ground, they gather sunlight during the day and harvest it at night. The project is fairly easy to accomplish; you shouldn’t have to mess with any electrical wiring to set up most types of outdoor solar lighting. #### **5. Reduce Waste** In some cities, you can take advantage of solar power trashcans. [Bigbelly](http://blog.bigbelly.com/a-solar-trash-can), for example, aims to build smarter cities by creating more efficient waste collection methods. Other vendors offer green trash cans, too, hoping to decrease costs, minimize collections, and manage waste. #### **6. Mow the Lawn** Mowing the lawn usually requires gas or electricity. News of [solar-powered lawnmowers](https://web.archive.org/web/20180828021232/http://www.lawnandlandscape.com:80/article/ll-050516-meangreen-mower-solar/) exists, but the appliances feature a hefty price tag. You might be better off converting an existing lawnmower’s current power source to solar power via a portable battery or miniature solar array. Unfortunately, the mower won’t move on its own — it still requires your walking feet to make it up, down, and across the yard. #### **7. Power Your Devices** Solar power continues to use smaller and smaller components. Case in point: wearable solar technology. Some charging bricks, like the [Anker PowerPort](https://www.amazon.com/Anker-2-Port-Universal-PowerPort-Charger/dp/B012YUJJM8/), run on sunlight and allow you to charge anything from a smartphone to a [tablet](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/05/sustainability-tips-for-remote-workers/). The technology is still in a formative stage, but it could lead to solar-powered smart watches and [clothing](https://web.archive.org/web/20190309230204/https://spectrum.ieee.org/energywise/energy/renewables/stretchy-waterproof-solar-cells-to-power-wearables). #### 󠀁[⌊Commercial real estate efforts to capture the power of the sun at a reasonable cost continue to evolve positioning solar energy as one of the hottest topics around the world and creating the need for straightforward information and perspectives that improve upon the renewable energy exchange of ideas says michael gorton ceo and president of principal solar inc by defining the issues collecting and distributing information the definitive solar library will serve as a valuable educational outpost for leaders of government business and academia It will also be accessible to consumers who want to join the dialogue in conjunction with launch of the library principal solar today released two white papers⌉⌊Commercial real estate efforts to capture the power of the sun at a reasonable cost continue to evolve positioning solar energy as one of the hottest topics around the world and creating the need for straightforward information and perspectives that improve upon the renewable energy exchange of ideas says michael gorton ceo and president of principal solar inc by defining the issues collecting and distributing information the definitive solar library will serve as a valuable educational outpost for leaders of government business and academia It will also be accessible to consumers who want to join the dialogue in conjunction with launch of the library principal solar today released two white papers⌉󠀁[8. Get a Little Crafty If you would like to avoid shelling out a small fortune to [hardware stores](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/04/don%e2%80%99t-let-your-hard-work-and-cool-air-go-out-the-window/) for ambient backyard lighting, [make your own sun jars](https://www.doityourself.com/stry/making-your-own-sun-jar-solar-lights). The project is easy to accomplish. All it takes is a couple of supplies and a dash of imagination, and you can use them anywhere in your yard or home. #### **9. Lend a Helping Hand** Solar power works literal miracles in developing countries, with the [We Care Suitcase](https://wecaresolar.org/tag/solar-suitcase/) serving as a premiere example. We Care’s portable solar system was originally designed for health care facilities in remote regions. However, it fulfills a secondary purpose: acting as a backup power supply in the event of a natural disaster such as a tornado, earthquake, or hurricane. With the different uses listed above, you can incorporate solar energy into your life more creatively. Feel free to share these tips with your friends and family so you can all work together to live greener lives. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641? s=300&d=monsterid&r=g) greenlivingguy The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke # Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow. [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [ ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)