Active And Passive Solar Energy Systems

Proper use of daylighting landscaping and thermal mass.

Active and passive solar energy systems.

Active solar energy systems include the use of photovoltaic panels and solar thermal collectors to harness the energy. 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. Passive solar energy does not require mechanical equipment and electronic devices to gather and distribute solar energy. In contrast to active solar systems passive systems operate without the reliance on external devices.

And correct orientation of the building so that the long dimension of the structure runs as close to east to west as possible. Passive energy systems use the sun s energy for heating and cooling purposes. Passive solar systems operate without reliance on external devices. Solar energy system are broadly characterized as either passive solar or active solar depending on the way they capture convert and distribute solar energy.

Humans can capture solar energy directly from the sun through passive and active solar energy systems ancient people used passive solar energy systems by building their houses out of stone or clay which absorbed the sun s heat during the day and stayed warm after dark providing heat throughout the night. They use passive collectors to convert rays into the sunlight. 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. Passive solar building design is a combination of energy efficient design features.

Active solar systems rely on pumps sophisticated electronic devices and motors to effectively collect and systematically provide solar energy. Passive solar energy systems include orienting a building to the sun. If the solar system cannot provide adequate space heating an auxiliary or back up system provides the additional heat. Passive solar systems include these features.