In an attempt to reduce energy consumption, people have
considered solar power and other means to cut down cost, save energy,
and preserve the environment at the same time. While solar power is more
popular in the form of solar panels, there is such a thing call passive
solar energy, which people can take advantage of without having to
invest in expensive installation.
What Differentiates Passive from Active Solar Power?
Active solar power is derived from external sources to generate electricity in the home. The best example is the PV panels that collect, stores, and converts the sun's light and heat to energy. Passive, on the other hand, doesn't make use of external equipment or mechanical devices to harness the energy. Even without PV panels, the home can harness heat and light by simply improving the home's layout, model and structure, making it useful in absorbing and radiating heat or vice versa.
To be able to have a clear understanding of how passive solar energy works, here are some examples:
Windows and Sunrooms
You can let heat and sunlight enter your home by having more windows or a sunroom. Instead of being highly dependent on electricity for artificial lighting and heating/cooling systems, you can take advantage of readily available light and heat without the cost. South-facing windows are strategic in absorbing heat and light from the outside. In the summer months, you can make use of blinds, awnings, or curtains to block light and heat from coming in.
The Concept of Thermal Mass
Thermal mass is a common concept in building green homes. It is making use of structural materials for walls, floors, and ceilings that have higher thermal mass or heat capacity. For example, masonry and concrete are good heat absorbers. Walls and floors can be made of these materials. In the summer, the heat can be absorbed to cool down the room. During the winter months, the heat absorbed can be radiated to the room and other adjacent rooms, thus providing better ventilation and avoiding temperature fluctuations. Painting the walls and floor in darker colors will also absorb heat better.
Clothesline
Do you own an electric clothes dryer? This is one of the appliances that consume a lot of energy just like fridges and air-conditioners. If you are used to using a clothes dryer, why spend more money on energy when you can, in fact, use the traditional method which is to let clothes dry out in the sun? People who live in homes with outdoor space have an advantage over people living in apartment buildings and condos in this scenario. They can take advantage of free and available solar energy.
Passive solar energy is one step to cut down cost and make households more energy efficient. While some of these examples require home remodeling, others are easy to practice and would already benefit any household today.
What Differentiates Passive from Active Solar Power?
Active solar power is derived from external sources to generate electricity in the home. The best example is the PV panels that collect, stores, and converts the sun's light and heat to energy. Passive, on the other hand, doesn't make use of external equipment or mechanical devices to harness the energy. Even without PV panels, the home can harness heat and light by simply improving the home's layout, model and structure, making it useful in absorbing and radiating heat or vice versa.
To be able to have a clear understanding of how passive solar energy works, here are some examples:
Windows and Sunrooms
You can let heat and sunlight enter your home by having more windows or a sunroom. Instead of being highly dependent on electricity for artificial lighting and heating/cooling systems, you can take advantage of readily available light and heat without the cost. South-facing windows are strategic in absorbing heat and light from the outside. In the summer months, you can make use of blinds, awnings, or curtains to block light and heat from coming in.
The Concept of Thermal Mass
Thermal mass is a common concept in building green homes. It is making use of structural materials for walls, floors, and ceilings that have higher thermal mass or heat capacity. For example, masonry and concrete are good heat absorbers. Walls and floors can be made of these materials. In the summer, the heat can be absorbed to cool down the room. During the winter months, the heat absorbed can be radiated to the room and other adjacent rooms, thus providing better ventilation and avoiding temperature fluctuations. Painting the walls and floor in darker colors will also absorb heat better.
Clothesline
Do you own an electric clothes dryer? This is one of the appliances that consume a lot of energy just like fridges and air-conditioners. If you are used to using a clothes dryer, why spend more money on energy when you can, in fact, use the traditional method which is to let clothes dry out in the sun? People who live in homes with outdoor space have an advantage over people living in apartment buildings and condos in this scenario. They can take advantage of free and available solar energy.
Passive solar energy is one step to cut down cost and make households more energy efficient. While some of these examples require home remodeling, others are easy to practice and would already benefit any household today.
Gene Armstrong is an energy expert based in Australia. He wishes
to share his knowledge about switching, energy efficiency, and green
energy through his articles. He recommends Origin solar power in Switchwise for Australian households.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gene_C_Armstrong
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