| Many people are starting to power their homes | | | | Passive Cooling |
| and businesses with solar energy. You will find a | | | | Your home is cooled during the summer months |
| number of budget friendly choices when | | | | by using an overhang that blocks the sun from |
| researching the best option to begin using the | | | | south-facing windows. |
| energy from the sun to power your home. | | | | Solar energy homes will often feature solar |
| Passive solar design can provide heating, cooling | | | | electricity. Solar electricity is created when solar |
| and natural light for solar energy homes. There | | | | panels absorb sunlight and convert it into usable |
| are solar electricity options to provide power for | | | | electricity. An inverter is then used to convert this |
| your home appliances as well as solar water | | | | energy from AC to DC. |
| heating for general household water use such as | | | | It is possible use this electricity as your only |
| cooking, showers and laundry. When planning a | | | | source or you can use it in addition to your meter |
| solar home it is necessary to consider which solar | | | | or battery storage bank. A generator is highly |
| energy options are the most efficient and budget | | | | recommended for backup power if you decide to |
| conscious for your needs. | | | | use solar panel electricity as your only source. |
| What Is Passive Solar Design? | | | | Water heating is another common use of solar |
| A passive solar home benefits from heating, | | | | energy in a solar panel home. Two methods for |
| cooling and natural light by utilizing home design | | | | solar water heating that are available for your |
| instead of special equipment. In other words, | | | | home are outlined below. |
| passive solar energy homes benefit from large | | | | Open Loop System |
| reductions in energy usage by using the | | | | This first method is to be used in climates where |
| immediate environment. Special construction | | | | there is no risk of freezing. In this system water |
| materials and design are used to trap the sun's | | | | filled tubes are heated directly by the sun. Pumps |
| heat during the winter and block it during the | | | | are used to circulate the water through collectors |
| summer. | | | | and into your water tanks. |
| The following passive solar techniques can be | | | | Closed-Loop System |
| used in solar energy homes. | | | | All climate types can benefit from this system. |
| Direct Gain | | | | Heat is collected from the sun using an anti-freeze |
| Furniture, flooring and other surfaces absorb the | | | | type liquid. Heat exchangers are then used to |
| radiant heat from the sun as it passes directly | | | | transfer the heat from the liquid to your water |
| into your living area. | | | | tanks. |
| Indirect Gain | | | | Energy efficiency is the most essential |
| Heat collected by a Trombe wall or sun-facing wall | | | | consideration in a successful solar home |
| is distributed throughout your home by fans. Heat | | | | conversion. Take control of your home energy |
| is naturally collected and stored by using materials | | | | needs. Start implementing solar practices and |
| such as stone and brick. This creates a solar | | | | enjoy the benefits of a solar power home. |
| thermal collector. | | | | |