| There are many affordable solar energy | | | | thereby drawing cooler air into the space. |
| technologies that can be applied when converting | | | | Solar electricity is also often used in the design of |
| your home into a solar home. Passive solar design | | | | a solar home. Photovoltaic cells are used to |
| can cater for your heating, cooling and natural | | | | generate electricity from the sun's energy. An |
| lighting needs. Solar electricity can be used to | | | | inverter is used to convert the DC current |
| provide power to household appliances and solar | | | | produced by the solar panels into usable AC |
| water heating can be used to provide hot water | | | | (household) current. The solar electricity can be |
| for baths, showers, cleaning and laundry. Energy | | | | used together with an existing electricity supply or |
| efficiency as well as cost effectiveness are | | | | can be used as the sole source of electricity if a |
| important considerations when planning a solar | | | | battery bank is installed. If using solar power as |
| home. | | | | the primary electricity source it is suggested that |
| No special equipment is required for a passive | | | | a generator be provided to supply backup power. |
| solar home as this method involves using the | | | | A common feature of solar homes is the use of |
| design of the structure to provide heating, cooling | | | | solar water heating systems. There are two |
| and natural light. By using the environment you | | | | types of solar water heating available: |
| can achieve reductions in energy usage. Passive | | | | - Open loop system: hot water is provided by the |
| solar homes rely on the materials used in their | | | | sun heating water filled tubes. This system can be |
| construction for heating in winter or the block out | | | | used in areas that do not experience freezing |
| the heat in summer and assist with cooling. There | | | | temperatures in winter. |
| a a number of passive solar techniques that can | | | | - Closed loop system: water is indirectly heated |
| be applied to a solar home: | | | | by an anti-freeze type liquid through the use of a |
| - Direct gain: radiant heat from sunlight passes | | | | heat exchanger. |
| directly into the living space and is absorbed by | | | | Solar water heating can be used for heating |
| the furniture, flooring, etc. This is achieved by | | | | water for use in the home as well as for heating |
| using south facing windows (for those in the | | | | swimming pools or also for underfloor heating. |
| northern hemisphere). | | | | Energy efficiency is the most important aspect of |
| - Indirect gain: this involves an attached Trombe | | | | a solar home, regardless of which methods are |
| wall that collects heat and distributes it through | | | | used. Being energy efficient will reduce the need |
| the home using fans. | | | | for heating, cooling or electricity usage. Better |
| - Thermal mass: materials such as stone or brick | | | | insulation, better glazing, energy efficient |
| collect and store heat during the day and release | | | | appliances and lighting will result in significant |
| the heat at night. | | | | savings in electricity consumption. As some of the |
| - Passive cooling: one method is install overhangs | | | | methods might not be possible when converting |
| on south facing windows to prevent direct sunlight | | | | an existing home or building, the success of the |
| from heating the living areas. The design may also | | | | conversion to a solar home depends on you being |
| incorporate convection methods which would allow | | | | as energy efficient as possible. |
| hot air to escape through high level openings and | | | | |