Herald; Dubuque, Iowa – Passive Power
Passive Power
0 Comments | Telegraph – Herald; Dubuque, Iowa, May 2, 2010 | by CRAIG D REBER
solar power residential buildings The warmth and light of the sun can be captured and used to increase the energy efficiency and comfort of a home. Incoming solar energy from the sun is a clean, renewable source available at no cost. Solar energy can be harnessed in two basic ways, active and passive, to benefit the homeowner. passive solar Passive solar refers to using the sun’s warmth and light to help heat and illuminate a home. Passive solar homes are designed to take advantage of the sun’s energy, lessening reliance on electricity or other types of energy for space or water heating. The design of a passive solar home uses the windows, walls and floors to collect, store and distribute the sun’s energy. Passive solar design does not rely on mechanical or electrical equipment to function. Some passive solar homes are heated almost entirely by the sun. Other homes incorporate some elements of passive solar design, such as south-facing windows, to reduce the energy needed for heating. Although some climate areas are better suited to passive solar homes than others, elements of passive solar design can benefit homes regardless of location. The homeowner can capture maximum benefits from a passive solar approach when designing a new home. However, renovating or retrofitting an existing home can provide an opportunity to incorporate selected principles of passive solar design. active solar — photovoltaics Another way of using solar energy is to convert sunlight directly into electricity by using a photovoltaic system. This active solar approach allows a home to generate some or all of its electricity on site
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