Passive And Active Solar Energy

It is different from active solar energy in that passive solar doesn t involve the use of any mechanical or moving parts.

Passive and active solar energy.

Passive energy systems use the sun s energy for heating and cooling purposes. A passive solar system does not involve mechanical devices or the use of conventional energy sources beyond that needed to regulate dampers and other controls if any. A solar collector positioned on the roofs of buildings heats the fluid and then pumps it through a system of pipes to heat the whole building. If you were to pump that water through your walls to heat your home that would be active solar heating.

Essentially a passive system uses few or no moving parts. They use passive collectors to convert rays into the sunlight. Passive solar energy does not require mechanical equipment and electronic devices to gather and distribute solar energy. Unlike passive solar heating active solar heating uses mechanical and electrical equipment to enhance the conversion of solar energy to heat and electric power.

Active thermal solar uses pumps antifreeze and a heat exchanger and is generally a lot more complicated. Active thermal solar isn t limited to small rooftop systems. So how exactly does each system function and what does it mean for you. Active solar heating systems use solar energy to heat a fluid either liquid or air and then transfer the solar heat directly to the interior space or to a storage system for later use.

This can also include electronic controls and other systems commonly found on active solar technologies. Active solar systems rely on pumps sophisticated electronic devices and motors to effectively collect and systematically provide solar energy. Both active and passive solar energy systems can convert the sun s rays into direct electricity but their mechanisms are a bit different from each other so it s useful to know the facts before you decide which kind to go with. How passive solar energy works.

A solar collector is a device used. If the solar system cannot provide adequate space heating an auxiliary or back up system provides the additional heat. If you use the sun s heat to warm a water tank that would be passive solar. They can be huge large scale monstrosities that create electricity as well.

Active solar energy systems use the same principles as passive systems except that they use a fluid such as water to absorb the heat. Passive solar systems passive solar panels depend heavily on the design construction and building of your home. It also does not need power coming from an external conventional source.