Passive Solar Power

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Passive Solar Power uses technology by generating solar energy from sunlight without the use of mechanical systems. Such use of passive solar is to maintain a comfortable temperature in a house, office building, etc, in direct reference of the different angles of the sun through out the year. (See the Diagram to the right.) The angle of the Winter Sun is 'lower' and the Summer's is higher in the sky in the Northern Hemisphere. When this is accomplished it minimized the need for traditional heating and cooling systems such as a HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning).

The 'Summer' Sun's angle is higher in the sky and the above diagram (and the photo to the right) shows the roof protruding out further to stop the sun's rays from entering the house. Thus keeping the house cooler. While on the other hand, the 'Winter' Sun can enter the house's windows radiating its warmth. And if designed to maximize the passive solar energy, that Winter Sun would be entering the windows radiating warmth on a stone, such as tile flooring, stone fire places, and counter tops. Rock is a great collector of heat!

To sum up Passive Solar Power....it is "ALL in the DESIGN".

You can enhance the design of your Passive Solar House by adding Passive solar technologies that include both direct and indirect solar energy for space heating. For example, a solar chimney for enhancing natural ventilation, the use of thermal mass and phase-change materials for slowing indoor air temperature changes, solar cookers,and solar water heating systems.See Diagram to Right. It uses a thermo-siphon water heating system. This systems warms up the cold water that comes into the house from the City Water or your well. It warms up the water BEFORE going into your gas or electric
water heater, saving you money on your
heating bill.

But whatever you design, Planning IS the Key. Notice the 'solarium' to the left. It has a bank of 'southern' facing windows and tile floors which will retain the heat in the winter months well after the sun goes down at 5 p.m.!

Passive Solar Power Systems are...

... a great, Green way to use the sun’s energy. There is very low or no maintenance costs, very little or no operating costs PLUS it emits NO greenhouse gasses when used.

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