People living in tropical areas or desert regions can rely on solar panels. However, those who experience very long winter months may not get the best effects. Things to Power Nowadays, solar energy can power a variety of objects such as homes, offices, cars, small light fixtures, toys and calculators. It is growing at a rate of 2% per year, and if the figures continue to grow, solar energy will be the preferred source of energy worldwide. Most modern nations are encouraging people to rely on this renewable resource so that they can save more and help conserve the environment. The trend can continue to provide benefits for decades to come if well-maintained. The Stirling solar dish mixes a parabolic focusing dish that includes a Stirling heat engine that regularly drives an electric generator. The benefits of Stirling solar over PV cells are the higher conversion efficiency from sunlight into electricity, plus a longer lifetime. Power Tower A solar power tower includes a wide array of heliostats or tracking reflectors that focus light on a central receiver over a tower. You can get a device rated at 12 volts or higher for only $100 at a marine supply store or RV store. Next, purchase a battery. Experts recommend that you get rechargeable batteries from available green companies. Get any size of deep cycle 12 volt lead/acid or gel battery. You will need the deep cycle battery for nonstop use. Integrated arrays cover the whole surface of the car with solar cells. Remote array is done by mounting the solar array at a stationary region aside from the vehicle. The trailer array is done by retrofitting present vehicles with little stability. Practical Use The first commercial electro-solar hybrid car, called the Venturi Astrolab was introduced in 2006. Active solar space heating can heat air inside the house by using pumps, blowers and fans that will distribute and gather heat. The systems can be either air-based or liquid-based. Air-based systems use rock bins or thermal mass, while liquid-based systems use thermal mass or water tanks. Active solar water heating can heat water in the home with the use of pumps.