The
difference between passive solar and residential
solar energy may be confusing to many people. Here is a guide explaining
the differences, starting with residential solar energy.
Residential solar energy is, as the name implies, solar energy for
the home, rather than a business. Different homes may choose to use
residential solar energy to different extents. Some homes may have just
a few solar outdoor lights. Other homes may heat their water off of
a residential solar energy system. Still other homes may rely solely
on residential solar energy.
This solar energy generally comes from solar panels made up of solar
cells and liquid systems. Residential solar energy is an active solar
system. Active solar involves mechanical systems.
Passive solar systems, on the other hand, are systems that harness
natural sunlight to reduce energy use in the end. In other words, a
passive solar home is built in such a way as to best take advantage
of the sunlight. Passive solar homes have sustainable design strategies.
Passive solar design may include large windows to gather light, fans
to distribute heat, stone flooring, and open spaces. Passive solar heating
works by creating building features that will absorb heat and then release
and circulate it.
One idea of passive solar design is to have a large deciduous tree
next to your house. The tree will shade your home during the summer,
but in the winter it will shed its leaves and allow sunlight to reach
your home.
One of the great things about building a home that incorporates passive
solar design is that it does not require a higher price than a home
that does not (assuming a well-versed contractor is involved.) Residential
solar energy systems, on the other hand, can be rather expensive to
set up. Of course, once set up they require very little maintenance
and practically eliminate all energy costs. After all, the rays of the
sun come absolutely free.