Passive Solar
Heating
It is well known that the sun is stronger from the south
direction. This theory is often used by people willing to use
passive solar heating for their homes. To get
maximum natural lighting and heating at minimum expense it is
always better to have windows facing south. Even though it is
not true all the time, it also depends on your geographical
location. It is a general rule to keep in mind when using solar
energy.
Passive solar heating is when sunlight is transformed to
heat that can be used for heating or cooling spaces or heating
water. Solar heating
systems are called passive because no electrical apparatus
like pumps or fans are used to force air or water all the way
through. When such electrical or mechanical devices are used
the system becomes active solar energy and is more expensive
due to all the external mechanical and electrical equipments
connected to the system
Passive solar heating is ideal for
heating spaces and water but many factors have to be taken into
consideration. Adequate insulation like windows with double
glazing and other insulated construction material should be
used in order to regulate the temperature inside and to prevent
heat loss. Thermal mass materials are a good choice. They have
the capability to store energy, both cold and heat and to
discharge that energy back into the house when needed. Mass
materials are usually used for walls and floors. The perfect
thickness for thermal mass materials is between 4 and 5 inches.
Phase-change materials are also often used.
Direct solar gain is the easiest and most affordable way for
using solar heating. The house
itself becomes the solar system. The windows situated south are
the solar collectors. The floor and walls store the energy. For
fully taking advantage of the solar gain, the house and windows
must be orientated to the true south.
Solar heating technology is also applied for solar furnace
and solar forge but the most suitable and effective
applications for passive solar energy remain heating water and
spaces.
Due to the ever-increasing costs of electricity and gas,
more people are deciding to be fewer dependants on traditional
forms of energy and be more involved in alternative energy.
Building a house heated by solar energy can cost a lot of money
initially, but in the long run, the benefits of passive solar
heating are sure. When setting up and using a solar heating
system, the main rewards are substantial savings and your
contribution to as cleaner environment
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