Five unexpected innovative applications of solar cells

   1. Application of solar energy in Vegas welcome sign

   The "Welcome to Amazing Las Vegas, Nevada" sign was first put up in 1989. This week, it was illuminated for the first time by solar panels. The U.S. Energy Information Administration said the solar landmark makes Nevada number one in solar energy potential.

   2. Application of solar energy in newspapers

   Admittedly, newspapers do not need solar power, but a new technology invented by MIT, which can stick solar film as thin as newspapers to newspapers, is truly amazing and will have a profound impact on the development of future materials.

   3. Application of solar energy in parking lots

   In Sandpoint, Idaho, a company called SolarRoadways built a solar parking lot made of special glass layers, LED lighting layers and solar panels. This innovative application will not only lead to the reform of parking lots, but also have an impact on the development of country roads and highways. This is a more eye-catching development in the application of solar energy. Instead of wasting so much space to build solar power stations, it is better to use local materials and use roads and parking lots as solar panels.

   4. Application of solar energy on trash cans

   In your nearest city or town, you may see a large solar-powered trash compactor. The trash can is equipped with solar panels, which not only provide power to the trash can to complete the task of compacting the trash, but also enable wireless communication to notify the garbage company when it is time to empty the trash can. This application of solar energy is highly efficient and versatile, and cities, towns, and even universities can reduce the cost of garbage collection.

   5. Application of solar energy in automobiles

   Ford made quite a splash this week at the Consumer Electronics Show when it unveiled its new solar-powered C-Max concept car, which features special mirrors that focus sunlight onto rooftop solar panels supplied by US solar industry leader SunPower.

   In any city in the United States, the car can travel 21 miles as long as the solar panels receive a day of sunlight. Obviously, this car is not designed for long-distance road trips. But if you park your car in the open and often drive short distances, why not buy one? No need to buy gas or charge the car, which is really a big saving. Although it cannot replace traditional fuel vehicles, this innovative solar car does not mean that there is no place in the market.