It’s easy to think of light sensors as just another electronic device not worthy of a second look. But, truth be told, light sensors are not only useful at home and work but they also save the planet—on a daily basis.
Of course, saving the planet is never for the halfhearted. Already, key cities and towns worldwide are sinking due to the rise of sea levels affected by global warming. Plus, all the heat is adversely affecting agriculture and food on the table.
But all is never lost. In this post, we’ll show you five unbelievable ways light sensors play a central role in keeping the planet safe and sound, saving you and the 8.1 billion people living on it. Read on.
Earth: A Planet at Risk
Well, if you’re thinking that Earth is a planet humans can call home for all eternity, you may have to think again. Scientists at NASA predict the planet will have but 4.5 billion years before it’s taken out of the picture. All thanks to an aging sun.
But as frightening as the prospects of an “unlivable” planet is, it gets even worse. Why? Climate change and humanity could hasten things up.
- Unless CO2 emissions drop, the Amazon forest will grow barren.
- India will be “too hot” to live in by the year 2500.
- American Midwest tropical will also be “unlivable” by 2500.
All this shows why the Paris Agreement goals on climate change matter. Consequently, this is also an area where light sensors can come in handy.
5 Ways Light Sensors Save the Planet
At its core, light sensors are pretty simple. These photoelectric instruments detect the presence of light and gauge light intensity in a given area. Below are ways, these electronic wonders become key to extending life on the planet.
1. In Meteorology
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CLIMATE CHANGE WARNING: The length of days on Earth is increasing due to the global temperatures continually rising, National Academy of Sciences reports. |
How light sensors save the day:
2. In Agriculture
Hands down, agriculture is essential to the survival of humans. Not only does it provide livelihoods but also more importantly, it provides food for everyone on the table. In the U.S. alone, agriculture contributes $7 trillion to the country’s economy.
However, climate change is affecting agriculture negatively. This is especially true in Asia where the majority of the planet’s population resides.
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CLIMATE CHANGE WARNING: Various climate-driven extremes such as droughts, heat waves are adversely affecting crops and farmers. |
How light sensors save the day:
Agricultural light sensors can be utilized to monitor the intensity of sunlight. Too much and too little sunlight can drastically affect the growth of crops. With a light sensor, we can track seasonal light patterns via a computer or a smartphone over time.
Light meters can be used to monitor photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) in a greenhouse. This allows you to provide supplemental lighting should the rays of the sun not cover your plant needs.
3. In Solar Transmission Measurement
The sun is the main source of energy for the planet. In this regard, designing solar-powered systems that are as energy-efficient as possible is a giant step away from dependence on fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas).
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CLIMATE CHANGE WARNING: Human activities have caused the increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere—and not the sun. |
To note, fossil fuels are notorious as the largest contributor to the greenhouse effect which brings about global warming.
Solar transmission measurement tests the efficiency of the design of solar-powered devices. In the process, better designs that are more energy-efficient are made possible.
How light sensors save the day:
Light sensors can play an active role in measuring solar transmission. Note that light meters not only measure visible light but can also measure ultraviolet light. Utilizing them in solar transmission measurement is a leg up in improving solar panel efficiency or a solar-powered satellite.
Closer to home, you can use a light meter to measure solar transmission on your rooftop. This way, you can pinpoint the best installation point (where the sun’s heat is at a maximum) for your solar panels.
4. In Solar Panel Arrays
Our voracious use of fossil fuels (e.g., gasoline for cars, coal for energy) has been identified as a major culprit behind the release of too much carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This leads to the greenhouse effect which causes climate change.
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CLIMATE CHANGE WARNING: Slight increases in average global temperature will cause glaciers and ice caps to melt which pushes the sea to rise by dangerous levels. |
Tapping into solar energy and other alternative clean energy is the way to go. Hence, the use of solar panel arrays at home and at work makes a lot of sense.
How light sensors save the day:
Solar lights are photovoltaic (PV) cells. In this regard, these clean energy sources are essentially light meters (in steroids) in their own right.
You can use a light meter to zero in on the best spot to install a solar panel array. For one, you can also log your data to determine how each portion of your rooftop compares with one another in terms of heat/light received. Doing so will allow you to optimize your solar lights.
5. In Environmental Monitoring
Are you worried you are not getting ample lighting at work? Industrial sectors must ensure lighting fixtures provide needed light energy so quality work materializes and accidents are avoided.
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CLIMATE CHANGE WARNING: Climate change can alter the pH balance of your skin which could cause skin complications and other diseases. |
Being able to test ambient lighting at work and play is crucial for one’s health. It’s also key to improve productivity.
How light sensors save the day:
With a light meter, you can measure total sun radiation and PAR in your environment at any time. Certainly, that spells convenience.
Indeed, fighting climate change is a lot easier with a handy light meter to save the day. Using these magical sensors is one giant step in saving the planet.