Solar Lighting
Humans have been thinking up different ways to harness incident solar energy since ancient times. These technologies have been constantly evolving and changing to suit the ever growing needs of the human population. One such important application of solar energy is solar lighting.
solar lighting and solar heating means the use of solar energy for lighting purposes. Generally, solar lighting is a mixture of active and passive uses of solar energy. Technologies harnessing solar energy are broadly classified as active and passive on the basis of how they retain, utilize, and store the incoming energy. Generally active use of solar energy is when photovoltaic panels and thermal collectors are utilized. For passive techniques, the layout of the structure in question is considered for correct usage.
Daylighting systems are being used to distribute the captured solar light and provide lighting inside any structure. These systems provide natural light by the use of carefully designed windows, skylights, light tubes, etc. The light is transferred inside the structure effectively to provide adequate lighting while the heat may or may not be absorbed. The need of interior artificial lighting is greatly reduced or vanishes altogether. Sometimes, the need for air conditioning lessens considerably by the use of this system. According to research, the use of natural light is beneficial to the human mind and body, and person may feel fresh and invigorated. Correctly designed daylight solar lighting systems can reduce energy requirements by as much as 25%.
An active method of utilizing solar energy for lighting purposes is by hybrid solar lighting to illuminate interiors. Hybrid solar lighting systems are best utilized when used for a room having a roof. The equipments used for hybrid solar lighting system are optical fibers, large collectors having a mirrored surface, and the instruments which will be emitting the light which is a hybrid light fixture with the help of some diffusing rods. Sunlight is adjusted on the optical fibers with the help of the mirrored collectors. The collectors are capable of tracking the sun in its movement throughout the day. The flexible optical fibers are connected to the fixtures emitting light. Photo-sensors help track the solar lighting requirements of the room.
Another way to achieve solar lighting is by using solar lamps. Solar lamps contain LED’s and a rechargeable battery which is powered through a solar panel. Solar lamps can be used inside the house or outside it, as per the lighting requirement. Outdoor solar lighting lamps can be used for decorating the garden and the lawns, while indoor lamps can also be used for decoration. Indoor solar lighting can easily provide quality illumination, reducing dependence on everyday tubes and bulbs.
Solar lights are also being used to light up the foot paths and walkways. The lamps used here are like the solar lamps mentioned above. They soak up the solar energy during the day and release it later when needed at night in the form of light. This is a very effective way of solar lighting and helps save a lot of electricity, which would have gone to waste otherwise with the use of general, conventional sources of light like sodium lamps.
Thus today solar lighting is good way to reduce dependence on conventional sources like oil to provide light, while being eco friendly at the same time.