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Solar Energy in Your Life

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Passive Solar Energy - Is It Right For Your Home?

Every exposed part of a structure—walls, floors, windows, roofs—absorbs and stores or reflects away the heat radiated by the sun. Passive solar systems do this without any mechanical means (pumps or fans); they rely purely on design and positioning to work, which may include shutters or thermal curtains, dampers and vents, or other simple mechanisms.

While passive solar setups are rarely used as bulk collection units, the concepts behind passive solar have changed the way many architects and engineers approach designs. They are beginning to make profitable use of the sun's free energy by using to their advantage one or more of these principles: conduction (heat flows from molecule to molecule in solids; this explains why the handle of your tea cup will eventually be warmed by the hot tea in the bowl), convection (heat also flows through liquids and gases; this explains why you might swelter in the attic and shiver in the basement—heat rises), radiation (warm objects radiate heat away to cooler objects, which absorb it, reflect it, or transmit it along), and capacitance (this is a measure of how much heat a material will retain over time, and is a function of thermal mass).

Passive solar space heating
Passive solar systems are used for space heating more often than active systems (see below). The most heat gains (in the northern hemisphere) come from windows oriented due south, but any window within 30° of that will show significant gains. The challenge, of course, it to avoid overheating a space, a problem that can easily occur in rooms with substantial glass surface area facing south. The contained heat can be redistributed relatively easily with ceiling or other fans, or by making use of the blower and duct systems (with the heating elements off) of a standard furnace. Installing flooring with high thermal mass such as stone or tile can also absorb and store the heat to be radiated later when the ambient temperature becomes cooler than the floor. A well-constructed, well-insulated building with high-performance, airtight windows can generally meet up to a quarter of its own heating needs using passive solar strategies. That, along with its next-to-nothing operating cost, clean operation, and simple maintenance makes it a natural for any structure.

Passive solar power cooling
This is more about reducing heat build-up than about taking it away. The obvious "technology" involved has been used for thousands of years: shading. You can do this with shutters, awnings, special "smart windows" (discussed later), curtains, and landscaping. Cross-ventilation will distribute the heat more evenly.

Building considerations
Even minor application of these basic principles can make a big difference in the overall climate control of a structure. Imagine that you have a room with large windows facing south. If you are in the northern hemisphere, that would mean that sunlight would shine into it all day. The windows are old clear glass, single-pane windows, which allow 80 to 90 percent of the heat to pass directly into the room. Now imagine that the sun coming in strikes a dark floor; this absorbs 40 to 95 percent of the heat. Obviously, that room will become extremely hot during the day. Depending on its intended use, this may be a good thing. The heat will flow from there, slowly but surely, into adjacent cooler spaces—a process that can be accelerated, of course, with fan systems. Remember, though, that since the heat does travel to cooler areas, at night it may leak back out those same inefficient windows to the outside unless you block the windows with some sort of thermal barrier.

Windows today are far different from those drafty single-pane versions in our grandparents' houses. Most new windows are constructed with two or even three panes (that is, they are "double-" or "tripled-glazed"), with insulating spacers and or inert gases between the panes, and have "low-e" (low-emittance) coatings of metal or metallic oxides that that reflect back much of the sun's heat without significantly reducing the light allowed in.

Additionally, there are also so-called "smart windows," which use varying technologies (electrochromic, suspended particles, liquid crystal) to alter a window's transmissive properties. Since these are operated electronically, one could debate whether they are "active" or "passive," but that's just semantics; the point is, they exist, and they work.

In addition to optimal window placement, another way engineers, architects and even homeowners can use passive solar to greater advantage is through window pitch. Most windows are installed so that their surfaces and exactly vertical. It is possible, however, to calculate a different angle that will allow a more desirable amount of heat and light to penetrate; since this calculation concerns the position of the sun throughout various times of the day and year, the angle would of course be specific to particular locations.

The siting of a building plays a large role in its passive solar properties; builders generally take the sunlight into consideration when determining the size and orientation of a given façade, using the angle of a building to enhance or reduce the amount of sunlight that penetrates. The structure's overall shape, as well as how it fits into the landscape—substantial portions of a structure may be fully or partially below ground, for example—also makes a difference in how passive solar can be used to advantage.

Architects and builders have been aided in recent years by the development of new materials designed to absorb or reflect varying amounts of radiated heat.

Contents at a Glance

Solar Energy
Table of Contents
Employ Passive Solar Energy and Start Sa...
Solar on Amazon
Solar Photos
Solar energy videos

Solar Energy
Employ Passive Solar Energy and Start Saving Electricity Today
Solar on Amazon
Solar Photos
Solar energy videos
Reader Feedback
Solar Power Links
Solar Energy Pros and Cons
Solar Power in the Amazon
Solar Power Blogosphere
Solar links
Question: Is Solar Power Worth It?
Question: Solar Cells How do they Work?
Solar Power News
How to afford solar power creatively
Solar power used in today's farming
PV America Coverage - Solar Power
Solar Power - Guestbook Comments

Employ Passive Solar Energy and Start Saving Electricity Today

1. Orientation, layout and positioning of your house on the land

Orientate your living areas to the south side of the house, which receives most of the sun throughout the day (north if you live in the southern hemisphere).

2. Insulation and draught proofing

Make sure your walls, roof and floors are insulated and fill any gaps where draughts might come through.

3. Ventilation

Position doors and windows opposite each other to allow for a cooling breeze to flow through the house when the air cool down in the evening of a hot summers day.

4. Windows

Windows on the south side of the house should be bigger to allow more sun to penetrate the house during the day and windows on the north side smaller to prevent heat lost at night.

5. Landscaping

Position trees and plants to direct a cooling breeze into your house, whiles shading it during summer. Plant trees that shed their leave in winter.

6. Shading

Make sure external shading structures are wide enough to block out the sun in summer, whiles still allowing the low winter sun to enter.

7. Thermal mass

Polished concrete, tile or slate floors and brick walls will absorb the heat throughout the day and release it slowly at night, reducing the need to run expensive heaters. Carpet acts as an insulator and will not retain the heat.

Although it's far easier to achieve passive solar energy for homes during the planning stage, you can incorporate many of these elements into an established house without spending a great deal of money or time.

It might be as easy as filling in a few gaps, installing an additional window or moving your living area from the chilly north side of the house to the sunny south side...

To learn more about solar energy, go to http://facts-about-solar-energy.com/

You'll discover ...

what solar energy is

how solar energy works

advantages and disadvantages of solar energy

interesting facts about solar energy

how much solar energy costs, and

how to build solar energy systems

There's a whole section for students, teachers and parents; whiles homeowners can obtain FREE QUOTES for their solar energy projects. You'll find book and product reviews plus some helpful energy saving tips.

Please email any questions to info@facts-about-solar-energy.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anita_Van_Wyk
http://EzineArticles.com/?Employ-Passive-Solar-Energy-and-Start-Saving-Electricity-Today&id=50185

Solar on Amazon

Solar Photos

Solar energy videos

Reader Feedback

Reply

Eddie Nov 14, 2011 @ 2:54 am | delete

With all the advantages of using homemade solar panels. Cooling, heating,charging and lighting etc.. This will be future trend for energy markets. Great Lens!

Reply

orly50 Apr 1, 2011 @ 2:16 am | delete

This is what I actually need for my project. Thanks for the info.

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Solar Energy Pros and Cons

There is no single "perfect" energy producing technology. All of them have advantages and disadvantages, even solar power. Let's take a look at both sides of the issue for solar power. Solar Energy Advantages:

1. Solar energy is a renewable resource, for all practical purposes.

2. Except for the processes involved in manufacturing the materials, solar energy does not give off any harmful substances.

3. Sun, unlike fossil fuels, does not exist only in specific pockets of the earth: it is everywhere, although not in evenly distributed concentrations.

4. Sunlight is free.

5. While far from perfect, the technology required to use solar radiation as energy to produce heat, light, mechanical power and electricity already exists.

6. Small solar power systems are easily installed.

7. The systems are very low maintenance: they have no moving parts (except for fans and pumps, for example) and can last a long time.

8. Small systems require very little in the way of "monitoring" for routine operation.

9. Given the right data, it is almost always possible to predict how much power a solar energy system will produce.

10. The systems are quiet and increasingly unobtrusive.

Solar Power Disadvantages

1. The initial costs for components can be high.

2. Rarely efficient enough, predictable enough, or powerful enough to provide a substantial portion of a specific user's needs: needs efficient storage for "down" times.

3. Not every location is a feasible site for solar.

4. Solar "farms," like almost all large-scale building projects, are subject to the "NIMBY" syndrome ("Not in MY backyard!").

Alternative Energy is a crucial link in our energy future if we are to cut the oil cord. We present thoughts, ideas, info and news about alternative energy at Alternative Energy HQ - http://alternativeenergyhq.com

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Power Monkey Solar Power Battery Charger - Portable Solar Cell Phone iPod Device Charger

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Solar Power Blogosphere

Solar power hot all over Cape, state: Over the past two years, capacity from photovoltaic panels across the state has more than quadrupled from 25 to 115 megawatts, enough to power about 115000 homes, according to figures provided by state energy officials and energy information websites.
How to make the switch to solar electricity: How do solar panels work? Photovoltaic (PV) cells convert sunlight directly into electricity. Today, thousands of people take advantage of this process by using individual solar PV systems to power their homes. According to the National Renewable ...
Project producing houses lack energy costs: They'll be getting a check from the power company instead. The couple and their three daughters recently moved into a house designed to use 90 percent less energy for heating and cooling than a conventional home. The house also has solar panels on the ...
Solar power customer hot about treatment: With alternative energy becoming more popular, you may be thinking a windmill or solar panels could save money on your electric bill. If you think that switching electric suppliers, too, might save you even more money, be aware you actually could end ...

Solar links

Solar-Powered Electric Vehicle Charging Station Built in NY | Alternative Energy HQ: Alternative Energy issues and technology are crucial to the future of our planet. All the key technologies such as solar power, wind energy, biodiesel, bio fuels and more.
Solar Power For Homes – Time to Turn It On | Alternative Energy HQ: Alternative Energy issues and technology are crucial to the future of our planet. All the key technologies such as solar power, wind energy, biodiesel, bio fuels and more.
We Are Going Solar! Step by step | Alternative Energy HQ: Alternative Energy issues and technology are crucial to the future of our planet. All the key technologies such as solar power, wind energy, biodiesel, bio fuels and more. Solar power for homes and cars is discussed in our postings.
Solar Power For Homes – Time to Turn It On | Alternative Energy HQ: Alternative Energy issues and technology are crucial to the future of our planet. All the key technologies such as solar power, wind energy, biodiesel, bio fuels and more. Solar power for homes and cars is discussed in our postings.
Reasons Solar Energy for Your Home | Alternative Energy HQ: Alternative Energy issues and technology are crucial to the future of our planet. All the key technologies such as solar power, wind energy, biodiesel, bio fuels and more. Solar power for homes and cars is discussed in our postings.
Zihuatanejo Condos | Mexico condo rental on the beach in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo: Zihuatanejo condos - Mexico condo rental with charming colonial two King bedrooms, two full bath luxurious condominium available for rental, over looking the Pacific Ocean in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo Mexico on the Pacific Coast.

Question: Is Solar Power Worth It?

Has it become affordable yet?

Is solar power worth it? This is a question that we must all take into consideration when we convert from regular electricity to solar powered electricity. The answer, however, is not always so straightforward and depends on many variables including your location, how much electricity you use, your hardware fees, and whether the environment will play a role in your decision. Let's take a look at each of these variables to help you determine whether solar power is truly worth it.
When you ask yourself the question "is solar power worth it?" are you thinking solely in the terms of financial factors? If the answer is yes, one thing you will need to consider is your location. As we all know, solar power runs off of the energy from the sun. Thus, the sunnier the location, the more energy the solar power will produce, and the quicker you will see the financial benefits of solar power. If, however, you live in a location where it rains often and is rarely sunny, chances are you will not receive much solar power and thus will receive few financial benefits.
Another thing you will want to consider when looking at going solar is your current electricity supply. If you use a lot of electricity, going solar may not be worth your while. If, however, you do not use much electricity, solar power will show many financial benefits. Houses that are well insulated to keep in heat and have many windows to let in light, for example, will use much less electricity than those that are not and will therefore see much more benefit in going solar.
Finally, if you are looking at only the financial benefits of solar energy, you will also need to consider the cost of installation. Generally, the cost of installation will vary depending on who the installer is, how difficult the installation is, and how many solar panels you will need. Quite often, the initial installation of solar power is very expensive, but in the long run it could potentially save you a significant amount of money on your hydro bills.
Now, ask yourself again "is solar power worth it?" Many people evaluate this question in purely financial terms. If that is the case, you will need to consider the factors above to determine whether or not the financial benefit of solar power will be worth it for you. If your values are different, however, you may be considering this question terms of the environment. If that is the case, the answer is simple - yes, in terms of the environment, solar power is always well worth it.
When considering the option of installing solar power energy, you will need to take several things into consideration. In terms of finance, solar power may be well worth it for some and not so worth it for others. When deciding whether it will be worth it for you, you need to take into consideration your location, the amount of electricity that you use, and the costs of installation. If you factor environment into the question "is solar power worth it?" then your answer should definitely be shifted to the pro-solar side.

Question: Solar Cells How do they Work?

Wondering about solar cells how they work? If so, you have come to the right place. As environmental awareness continues to grow, solar cells are becoming an increasingly popular way to conserve energy and save money. Continue reading on to find out exactly how solar cells can be used to convert the sun's energy into electricity.

When learning about solar cells how they work, it is necessary to understand that solar cells can also be called photovoltaic cells. As the name states, these cells convert light ("photo") into electricity ("voltaic"). Solar panels typically consist of a group, or a module, of photovoltaic cells. They can then be grouped together and used to generate large portions of electricity using only the energy from the sun.

How do these photovoltaic cells work? Each cell is made up of semiconductors, the most popular being silicon. When the energy from the sun hits the cell in the form of light, a small amount of energy is absorbed by and transferred to the semiconductor. Once the semiconductor soaks up the energy, all electrons are knocked loose and free to flow about. As the electrons are flowing about, it creates what scientists call a current. If metal contacts are placed above and underneath the photovoltaic cell, the currents can be extracted, allowing them to be used to generate electricity.

Nowadays, many people are converting from regular electricity to solar electricity in their homes. Not only are solar cells great for the environment, but they can also be great for the bank account, saving individuals plenty of money on their electricity bills. Will solar cells work for any house? Yes. The benefits that individuals see from solar panels, however, will differ from home to home. Many things can influence the effectiveness of solar panels including your location and the angle of your roof.

If you live in a location that is sunny year round, you are more likely to see benefits of solar power than those who live in a location that experiences a great deal of clouds. Similarly, the inclination of your roof will affect the efficiency of solar panels. Because solar panels use light from the sun to produce electricity, it is only sensible that the more sun the panels get, the more energy they will produce.

So there you have it - solar cells how they work. In sum, solar cells are made from photovoltaic cells. These photovoltaic cells are made up of semiconductors that soak up energy from the sun. This energy allows electrons to flow freely and can then be collected by metal contacts to produce electricity. They will work on any home providing the home has direct access to sunlight. The more sunlight, the more electricity your panels will produce.

Solar Power News

Stay up to date on the latest in solar power and the solar energy developments

Solar panels: How encouraging to finally see a front-page headline article announcing a success in the solar energy arena. The decision by Pacifica High School and the District Director to cash in on the immense savings gained by installing solar panels on the ...
Somers Cuts Ribbon on Solar Panels [With Video]: By Erin Quinlan On Friday afternoon, Somers First Selectwoman Lisa Pellegrini cut the ribbon to officially recognize the use of solar panels on Somers Elementary School. The panels have been operational since the beginning of April, and are a project ...
Affordable Solar Completes Sunport Phase III Solar Project: Taking advantage of the VALE (voluntary airport low emissions) Federal Aviation Agency grant, Phase III of the project added 1750 panels (411kW) to the parking canopies on the top deck of the public parking garage. The additional solar panels will ...
Solar panel tariff could backfire on US: Joshua Hill, a communications techinician with StraightUp Solar, makes adjustments during the installation Thursday, Jan. 5, 2012, of solar panels on the roof of a building in Overland occupied by THF Realty. Photo by Johnny Andrews, ...

How to afford solar power creatively

Found this good article for you on how to afford solar power.

"When Tim O'Neil approached fellow Mt. Tabor Neighborhood Association member Stephanie Stewart in 2009 about starting a solar buying cooperative in their suburban Portland community, she loved the idea.

"Literally within a couple of days, Stephanie had created a Web site and a logo," says O'Neil.

Then O'Neil and Stewart turned to Lizzie Rubado of the nonprofit Energy Trust of Oregon to help them put together workshops on installing solar panels. Originally, the new team expected to sign up 50 or so people, and they hoped that about 10-20 would go through with the installation. After all, 2008 saw only 38 solar panel installations across the entire city of Portland, Rubado says.

To their surprise, about 300 people signed up for what would become the Solarize Portland solar buying co-op. One-hundred and twenty homeowners installed solar panels that year. "

more here

Solar power used in today's farming

Innovation comes to farming

Solar power can be used in agriculture to save money, reduce carbon emissions and increase self-reliance

As governments, large corporations and homeowners alike seek to lessen their impact on the environment they live and work in, farmers too are looking to cut their emissions and work with the land instead of against it. Eco-friendly farming has been going on for decades, and
farmers are always looking for new ways to reduce their carbon footprint and produce high quality food using ethical methods.

To compete with industrial farming, smaller farms need to cut their running costs while keeping their integrity and standards
high. Renewable energy sources can help ease the high costs of maintaining a farm while reducing carbon emissions and helping to save the environment.

Many farmers are opting for solar power as a way to generate their own electricity, cutting their reliance on big energy suppliers and fossil fuels and protecting their business against future energy prices, which are set to increase.

more solar power farming here

PV America Coverage - Solar Power

The latest in Solar Power Industry

Alternative Energy HQ covered the PV America show in San Jose CA and interviewed key execs about the state of the solar power industry about the current state of the business and future projections for the development of PV Power.

Solar Power - Guestbook Comments

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I aim to inform and educate the world about alternative energy sources. Let's make a difference so the big companies will pay attention! Kevin R&... more »

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Solar Energy in Your Life

Passive Solar Energy - Is It Right For Your Home?

Contents at a Glance

Contents at a Glance

Solar Energy

Table of Contents

Employ Passive Solar Energy and Start Saving Electricity Today

Solar on Amazon

Solar Photos

Solar energy videos

Reader Feedback

Solar Power Links

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Solar Power in the Amazon

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Solar Power Blogosphere

Solar links

Question: Is Solar Power Worth It?

Has it become affordable yet?

Question: Solar Cells How do they Work?

Solar Power News

How to afford solar power creatively

Solar power used in today's farming

Innovation comes to farming

PV America Coverage - Solar Power

The latest in Solar Power Industry

Solar Power - Guestbook Comments

by Toils

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