In electronics they have other uses too, but this is the best simple home use.

They used to call them hot carrier diodes, and the were expensive, but they transition fast, so they were initially used in high frequency designs. As technology to make them progressed, their ratings climbed, and their cost fell.

Germanium diodes are also low forward voltages, but they will never handle much power, and the material used is expensive.

I will use fifty 500 watt 24 volt battery banks in parallel to power my off grid house, using solar and wind charging.

The old AC ducts will become my wire race to allow me to add 24 volt wiring for lighting, refrigeration, freezer, and air circulation; directly from the 24 volt batteries.

Happy homesteading, and be blessed!

:)>