From niche coffee blends to custom built transformers, some things just work better when they’re tailor-made. And in the world of renewable energy, that’s no exception. As we all hop on the sustainability train, it’s clear that one-size-fits-all solutions won’t cut it anymore and rather, customized solar energy setups are the way to make green energy a seamless part of day-to-day life.
Here are 3 notable solutions.
Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV)
BIPV is hitting two birds with one stone—combining building design with renewable energy generation. It’s a smart way to make buildings more energy-efficient while also cutting down on their reliance on external power sources.
BIPV tech can be fitted into different parts of a building, like roofs, windows, or walls. Picture solar roof tiles replacing traditional ones, soaking up sunlight to power up the building. Similarly, solar windows do the same job while still letting in light, and solar panels on building exteriors blend in while churning out clean energy.
Just think of a modern office building with cool glass facades. These facades aren’t just for show—they’re also lined with solar panels. During the day, these panels soak up sunlight, turning it into electricity to light up the building and keep it comfortable.
Solar Microgrids
Solar microgrids are like having your own power backup but on a community scale. They’re perfect for areas that often face power outages or are far from big power grids, giving them more control over their energy.
Setting up a solar microgrid means installing solar panels in a specific area and adding batteries to store extra energy. Then, smart tech manages everything, making sure power is there when you need it, even on cloudy days or at night.
Imagine a small town tucked away in the countryside. They decide to set up a solar microgrid to stop relying on the main power grid. Solar panels on rooftops soak up sunlight, charging batteries that keep the lights on even when the main grid fails.
Community Solar Projects
Community solar projects are not unlike carpooling to work—it’s more efficient and benefits everyone involved. They make clean energy accessible to people who can’t install solar panels themselves, bringing communities together for a greener future. These projects can be big solar farms or panels installed on unused land. People sign up to join and chip in, getting credits on their energy bills based on how much solar power they’ve contributed to.
Picture a suburban neighborhood where not everyone can install solar panels on their roofs. So, they team up for a community solar project in a nearby field. Each month, they get credits on their bills for the solar power their share has produced, making clean energy a community effort.
There’s a lot more to integrating solar energy than you’d think and this is a good thing because it means more options. Take a look at these solutions.