The numerous faces of solar power

The Lots Of Faces of Solar Power

Living in Nevada, the sun is an almost constant companion. This gives Nevadans a distinct opportunity to utilize solar radiation powers for good. In April, a tour of southern Nevada homes shed some light on the topic of solar energy homes. Hosted by the American Solar Power Society, this Nevada branch of the National Solar Trip checked out homes that utilized both passive and active solar energy, thermal warm water systems, and other ecologically features. However, unless you're a green innovations specialist, or took the trip, you might not understand the distinction in between passive and active solar, or how thermal warm water is different than average. Let me help you understand!

Active solar technology is the one that many people may be familiar with. It involves having a solar panel that gathers the sun's energy and transforms it into electricity. These have a battery where energy is saved, so electricity can still be used in the evening, and, to a certain level, on cloudy days. Photovoltaic panel are an exceptional method to make electricity, particularly in remote locations. While they are reasonably expensive to establish, and do need some upkeep, they provide reliable and complimentary electricity, even in climates far less warm than Nevada's.

Passive solar technologies are far older than active ones, and include making use of the natural heat and light the sun produces, without transforming it in any other way. Have you ever noticed that after a long, hot day, south-facing rocks, pavement or brick and adobe structures will radiate warmth? They have invested the day passively gathering solar power, and are releasing it. Some products are better at absorbing and keeping that heat than others. For example, wood insulates, meaning it will block temperatures, whereas stone will take in and launch temperatures. Homes that are developed to make the most of passive solar are frequently built of brick, adobe or concrete. Cob is another passive-solar-friendly and ancient building material that is going through a revival of sorts. It is made from sand, clay and straw, similar active ingredients as adobe, however adobe is baked into bricks and stacked, whereas cob structures are free-formed while the product is wet. Passive solar homes normally have a great deal of windows lining their south walls, and less so their east and west walls, with little to no windows on the cooler north sides. These windows do two things. First, they offer natural light inside the home, one element of passive solar. Second, they permit heat to come into the home. If the home has a stone tile floor and even walls, that tile will absorb the heat, launching it later when the outside temperature drops.

Passive solar homes can be developed to be cool in summer while using the sun to warm them in winter. For example, if shutters are closed throughout summertime, the home will stay much cooler. Also, the height and angle of overhang can be thought about to take full advantage of the windows direct exposure to low winter sun, however minimize exposure to the high summer sun. Additionally, I saw a fascinating example of someone planting deciduous trees on the south side of their home. In the winter season, the trees had no leaves therefore let in a lot of light and heat. In the summer season, their thick greenery supplied shade that kept your home cool.

So that is the major difference in between active and passive solar innovations. Given that passive solar is basically totally free, it would be wise for any architect or Fix-It Right Plumbing experts home designer to take it into factor to consider when constructing brand-new homes. Well designed passive solar homes can significantly reduce their electrical energy requirements. And while active solar is dazzling innovation, it still takes many resources to produce. Plus, it might be Fix-It Right Plumbing superfluous in an area with an existing electrical source.

As for thermal water heating, it too is a really simple idea. Home made thermal water heaters can be as easy as an outside water tank painted black, but that's a little crude for many tastes. Nevertheless, there are a range of designs out there. Some have panels that are metal painted black and enclosed with glass, with copper pipes filled with water going through them. This water will warm, and is then pushed by gravity into an insulated tank. Some solar hot water heater use a similar set-up but with tubes filled with anti-freeze that are then hooked up to a heat transfer loop, where water in a storage tank is warmed. Whatever system you utilize, thermal water heating is surprisingly affective.

There are a lot of ways to take advantage of the sun and utilize less electricity. Check out next year's National Solar Trip to see them on your own.

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Pub: 29 Jul 2025 20:46 UTC

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