Are
you curious what the difference between passive solar and residential
solar energy? Let us start 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 heat their water off
of a residential solar energy system. Still other homes may rely solely
on residential solar energy.
This solar energy general comes from solar panels and 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 and 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 it 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 the sun to reach
your home.
One of the great things about building a home that incorporates passive
solar design is that it can be the same price as a home that does
not, assuming that you find a well-versed contractor.
Residential solar energy systems, on the other hand, can be rather
expensive to set up. Of course, once you set it up, they require very
little maintenance, and they can practically eliminate energy costs.
After all, the rays of the sun come absolutely free!