Climate change has been identified as one of the most pressing challenges facing the planet and in an effort to stem global warming there has been a focus on the ways that societies can use renewable energy sources to cut down on harmful carbon emissions that are the result of burning fossil fuels.

One of the most promising of the renewable energy sources is solar energy.

However there are numerous ways – other than the installation of solar panels (although these are an important part of the mix) that can harness the suns energy to contribute to saving the planet.

Here are 8 ways that the suns energy can be used.

1. Solar Panels.

Getting the most obvious out of the way first the installation of a solar system for your house is a great idea. Installing solar panels to generate electricity dramatically cuts down on CO2 emissions. Some studies have shown that solar panels reduce the emission of CO2 by up to 91% when compared to suing electricity generated by the burning of coal.

2. Solar Chargers.

Rather than plug your mobile or tablet into a wall socket where it will be suing electricity generated by the burning of fossil fuels buy a solar charger. Newer models are portable and offer a quick and easy solution to charging – without adding to the CO2 burden in our atmosphere.

3. Sky Lights.

Installing a skylight in your home is a great way to keep your home warm in the cooler months. It cuts down on heating bills and directly reduces the need to burn fossil fuels. Besides which they are an attractive feature that increases the value of your home.

4. Solar Powered Garden Fittings.

There are several models of solar powered garden lights available on the market today. Using these cuts down on electricity bills and they are maintenance free. Use them to light up garden paths and other outdoor features. There are even models of floating pool lights which harness the power of the sun and automatically light up when darkness falls.

5. Pool Blankets.

Rather than install expensive heating equipment use a solar pool covering. They harness the suns energy to keep your pool at a temperature whcih will allow you to enjoy your pool year round.

6. Flashlights.

There are huge variety of solar powered flashlights available on the market today. The latest technology means that these flashlights hold a charge for far longer than ever before. There are also models that have been designed for use as hanging lights in tents while camping.

7. Heating Water.

Solar water heaters are in widespread use throughout the world. In Canada for instance over 600,000 m2 over solar water heating collectors have been installed. These cost on average less then $10,000 to install and can provide up to 90% of the heating that is required to keep the water in an average household piping hot.

8. Cooking.

Using solar power to cook or heat food has become widespread, especially in developing nations. Simple parabolic heaters in these countries are contributing directly to protecting increasingly scarce supplies of wood. By doing this they also prevent soil erosion, as well as preventing respiratory aliments that accompany the burning of wood to cook food.

A low tech bonus use: Use the power of the sun to dry your clothes on a washing line. It reduces the need for spin dryers and reduces the burden on the electricity grid.

The power of the sun offers nearly limitless possibilities. We need to explore new and innovative ways to harness this energy – for the good of our planet.