Once you have a way to convert the sun's energy into electricity through the use of photovoltaic (PV) panels or heat by using a solar thermal system, there are many uses of solar energy that can be implemented.

If you are considering placing solar panels on your roof but are concerned about the aesthetics solar shingles might provide an interesting alternative to traditional solar panels.

As the cost of cooling your house in the Summer has continued to rise, many companies have begun to offer solar air conditioning systems. These systems usually do not completely eliminate the electrical costs but can substantially reduce the amount of energy required from the grid.

A more passive approach to using solar energy to control the amount of heat entering your house is to use solar shades. Solar shades can reduce your cooling costs by not allowing as much heat from the sun to enter your house and protect your furniture from the damaging UV light.

Another passive approach to using solar power is to install solar tubes. Solar tubes amplify natural light and channel that light to interior rooms through the use of mirrors or other highly reflective material. Solar tubes provide a great alternative to traditional skylights or artificial lighting.

For the homeowner's landscaping projects, solar landscape lighting and solar water pumps or solar fountain pumps may be an alternative worth considering. They provide for much easier installation and lower maintenance than traditional landscape lights or fountain pumps.

If you have a pool, solar pool covers provide a great way to passively capture the sun's heat and extend your pool season. You may also want to consider a solar heating system to reduce the costs associated with traditional pool heaters.

For the outdoor enthusiast portable solar panels can provide a great way to keep all of today's electronic gadgets charged. Solar ovens can provide the outdoor enthusiast with an intersting alternative to cooking your food while camping and solar stills can provide you with potable water in an emergency situation.

Additional Resources

• Portable Solar Panels
  
  Portable solar panels are capable of providing electricity for ipods, cameras, gps and other gadgets while enjoying outdoor activities like camping or hiking
• Solar Air Conditioning-Cool your Home with Solar Air Conditioning
  
  Solar air conditioning is a practical alternative to traditional cooling appliances that can function more efficiently when the sun is shining and when there is an abundant supply of heat in the environment
• Solar Landscape Lighting
  
  Solar landscape lighting provide a practical alternative to traditional landscape lighting.
• Solar Oven - Use a Solar Oven to Cook your Food
  
  Solar ovens provide a great alternative for cooking. Built from a highly reflective material that gathers sunlight, a solar oven operates this way
• Solar Pool Covers - Extend your pool season with a solar pool cover
  
  Solar pool covers traps the heat from the sun and transmits this heat trapped to the water
• Keep your House Cool with Solar Shades
  
  Solar shades protect your furnishings at home, reduce the transmittance of heat, absorb the heat and block harmful UV rays
• Using Solar Shingles to Integrate Solar Power into Your Home
  
  Solar shingles can provide an aestically pleasing way to integrate solar cells into your home.
• Solar Still - Distilling Water with a Solar Still
  
  A solar still is a means of distilling water, which is powered by the sun’s heat.
• Solar Tubes can bring natural light into your room
  
  Solar Tubes can bring natural light into your room
• Solar Water Pumps – Solar Fountains and Pumps
  
  Solar water pumps can provide a great alternative to traditional grid-tied pumps. For remote locations, where water is required, a solar powered water pump may be the ideal solution.