Understanding The Benefits Of Passive Solar Heating
Passive solar heating is by far the most popular solar technology used by homeowners, business and industry around the world because of its simplistic yet efficient design. The most common form of passive solar heating can be found in a greenhouse. As the sun shines through the glass of the greenhouse it is warmed by this direct energy, and the remaining energy is absorbed by thermal mass (walls, floors or other objects that can absorb heat) within the greenhouse, this energy is then released overtime back into the greenhouse.
This technique is also commonly used in homes, and businesses in the form of large windows facing the sun, or with skylights. Capturing the suns energy is accomplished in a variety of ways, such as window angle, and with the type and density of the glass installed. Although these methods are extremely efficient in providing passive solar heating to rooms and buildings, this energy is limited to the amount and length of available sunlight, the size of the room, and the types of thermal mass within the rooms. In the last few years there has been a significant rise in demand for solar power for homes due to rising oil and electricity prices.
Another typical method of passive solar heating would be solar heating systems. These include the use of solar panels or collectors that are set at precise angles to absorb the greatest amount of solar energy. As energy is absorbed by the solar panels it can then be utilized in a number of ways, such as input source to power other heating devices, to heat water for domestic needs or air that passes through the solar panels for under floor heating.
Passive solar hot water systems are commonly used to heat water for use in swimming pools, domestically for bathing, or other needs and are quite efficient in providing up to 85% of a home's required energy needs when installed in optimal environments. One of the many important benefits of employing solar water heating systems is not only is it cost effective, but it also helps to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. With U.S. State and Federal incentives readily available for installing passive solar heating systems, many homeowners are taking advantage of the financial rewards for going green. This growing trend has also been seen on many popular television shows and it seems that there are many homebuilders and contractors that are making these systems a part of their new home constructions.
There are also many affordable solar heating kits available on the market for the home handyman or do it yourselfer that can easily be installed on the roof of your home or garage, and for the real DIY junkie you may also consider making a real “go green” statement by building your passive solar heating system from recycled items. You can find many build sheets and blueprints on the internet.
