Using Passive Solar Energy

English: Passive solar heating illustration. Polski: Schematyczny rysunek ogrzewania pasywnego. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There are two kinds of solar energy according to how the energy is converted. Active solar energy is defined as creating energy with the help of mechanical devices. Passive solar energy does not require the use of mechanical devices and provides you the advantage of getting energy nonstop and in a more cost-effective manner. Passive solar energy is further divided into different categories. Here are some more tips and guidelines on the kind.

On Orientation

There are a number of principles that you have to keep in mind to take advantage of passive solar energy fully. The applications will rely on the specific location and climate you belong to. Orientation refers to the positioning of the home so that you get most of the sun's rays to heat and minimize the impact for cooling. Shading is vital in managing the natural light and temperature of the home.

Shade can be given by other structural elements. Insulation refers to keeping a warm home during the winter and a cool house during the summer. Thermal mass refers to heat storage during daytime and its release after the sun is gone. The windows will make sure that the home stays comfortable any day of the year. Ventilation refers to maintaining the cool inside the home during extra hot days.

Passive Solar Heating

Passive solar heating belongs to the category of solar space heating. The heating process can be done by orienting the home well so that most of the windows face to the south. The windows should be sized properly too, so that optimal heat gain will be attained. The home has to be insulated to reduce loss of heat. Passive cooling is a kind of solar cooling. The main idea behind passive cooling is to reduce the impact of the sun by orienting the landscape and the house so that you get the most benefits out of cool breezes.

The home also has to be designed to reduce barriers to air paths through the home to let natural ventilation in. You need to use the right type and size of windows to reduce the heat during extra hot days. Landscaping and structural features can be used to make shade. The home also has to be insulated well to keep the right temperature.

On Daylighting

Daylighting is a kind of solar energy lighting. It is described as the use of natural light to illuminate the house. Good daylighting provides the right light to all your rooms, while minimizing costs in utilities and electricity. You can daylight the house well by sizing and positioning the windows so that natural light freely enters the home. You should also use exterior shading that will diffuse the light.

Passive solar energy is considered as a natural and very cost-effective way to maintain your home. You can save so much in the long run and expect to have the right light and temperature inside your home for years to come. Talk to experts on how you can install the right elements.

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What is Active Solar Energy?

Direct solar water heating systems. (A) passive; (B) active (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Active solar energy is used by several homes, offices and other structures today because of its many benefits. Generally, active solar energy is described as the use of mechanical devices to gather, store and distribute solar energy inside the home. Active solar energy water heating systems use pumps so that water is circulated well within the system. There are several applications that you can try depending on your setup. Here are some tips.

The Advantages

Active solar energy can provide people with many benefits. It can be used on your present home regardless of the current design or orientation. Active solar energy can produce a lot more solar thermal energy compared to passive solar energy. The heat energy created can be used easily all throughout the house. Electricity requirements are also reduced thereby boosting your savings.

The Components

There are three main components in active solar energy. First is solar energy collection which involves the use of solar collectors. The most basic collector is the flat-plate collector. This is an insulated box covered with glass. Inside the box, you will see black absorber plates that absorb solar energy and transform it into heat. The heat energy is moved to a fluid, air or water that will flow through the collector. This will ensure if the system is air-based or liquid-based. Solar energy storage can be done using thermal mass or water tanks for liquid based systems. Air-based systems will have to rely on rock bins to contain the heated air. Solar energy distribution is the third component which is based on the kind of system.

The Types

There are 3 types of active solar applications that you can readily use in the home namely active solar pool heating, active solar space heating and active solar water heating. 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. There are two kinds of solar water heating systems namely direct and indirect systems. Direct systems heat the current household water in solar collectors. Water is pumped to a tank after heating. Indirect systems use heat transfer fluid. The fluid is heated in solar collectors, then pumped to a storage tank. This is also known as a closed-loop system.

The Third Type

Active solar pool heating involves the use of pumps to properly circulate the water in the pool via solar collectors to heat and then return to the pool. The pool becomes a storage medium for heated water so you do not need any more water storage tanks. If you use active solar pool heating, you can extend the swim periods of the family and reduce the heating costs of maintaining the pool. Active solar energy is a smart option for individuals who want to save more in heating costs.

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