| We forget that solar power is available in many | | | | The way windows and rooms are incorporated |
| different forms. When it comes to solar energy | | | | into the design, width of eaves and other aspects, |
| we jump to the conclusion that solar hot water | | | | will vary according to your geographical location |
| systems and solar panel electrical systems are | | | | and need to be properly calculated. |
| the only choices available. | | | | An extension of the passive solar design principle, |
| Solar outdoor lighting systems are sometimes | | | | is to actively use solar energy to provide heating |
| overlooked in energy efficient solutions. Stand | | | | and cooling to the home. The use of heat |
| alone solar lighting provides simple cost effective | | | | collectors built into the roof or walls can efficiently |
| lighting for outdoor areas. Available as both off | | | | store the heat of the sun and release it during the |
| the shelf garden and DIY solar projects, solar | | | | night when it is most needed. The solar collectors |
| lighting can provide garage or porch lighting to | | | | trap and store heat in air or water units rather |
| enhance your homes appearance and security. | | | | like the principle used in a solar hot water unit. |
| Apart from providing cost effective electrical | | | | These in turn heat air that is then ducted through |
| power, it is easy to forget that the suns heat and | | | | the home using small fans. These fans can even |
| energy can be used in many other ways. | | | | be powered by a solar panel. |
| Modern home designers are well aware of the | | | | Cooling is achieved in a similar fashion. A solar |
| design options and advantages offered by passive | | | | collector is incorporated into the roof as a small |
| solar home design, however, these measures are | | | | tower and acts rather like a chimney. As the air in |
| not always adopted unless the client requests | | | | this tower heats up, it rises and draws cooler air |
| them, or if local building regulations stipulate them. | | | | into the home. The incoming air can be further |
| If you are in the process of planning a new home, | | | | cooled before reaching the house by passing along |
| adopting passive design features is a far better | | | | underground pipes. When you further combine |
| practice than any retro fitted solution. Your | | | | solar cooling with an attic fan to vent the roof |
| architect or builder can suggest several features | | | | space, you enjoy significant cooling of your home. |
| that would make your home highly energy | | | | These simple heating and cooling methods and |
| efficient and practically free of heating and cooling | | | | passive solar design usually means that heating |
| costs. | | | | and cooling costs can be significantly reduced. |