Passive Solar Energy: What it is and What are the Benefits

There are a few types of solar energy, with passive solar energy being one of the primary forms. The term passive indicates that there is no mechanical equipment used, other than normal building materials. Instead, all of the passive solar gains are brought in through windows. In fact, the most commonly used building component in passive solar energy collection is windows. Advanced window designs in particular can actually be net energy suppliers, with better net annual energy performance than even the most thoroughly insulated wall.

The issue of solar energy and the advantages it offers has never been of more importance than it is today. This is due largely to serious environmental issues such as global warming, which are now of great concern. Use of solar energy is good for the environment because it does not produce any waste or pollution, and is really the original renewable energy resource.

Solar energy is a completely renewable energy source that is environmentally friendly and unlike fossil fuels is available just about anywhere on earth. It is also free which is another major benefit, and therefore it is not subject to rising energy prices. Because there is no mechanism to power it is more affordable. 

How Passive Solar Energy is Collected

Passive solar energy will offer the best results when incorporated into a building during the initial design. In climates where heating is needed, large south facing windows should be used, as these will have the most exposure to the sun in all seasons and therefore will allow the windows to collect the most possible solar energy. Sun rooms are an example of passive solar power as the windows allow the sunlight to enter the room without allowing the heat to escape.  There is no mechanism or engine simply the clear panes of glass.

It is important to understand that passive solar systems utilize the most basic concepts into the building's architectural design. And the most important characteristic of any passive solar energy design is that it be holistic. It should take into consideration such factors as local climate conditions, such as temperature, solar radiation and wind, in order to create a climate-responsive and energy conserving structure.

Passive solar heating offers many benefits and the more you understand about solar energy the more you are going to be able to take advantage of it. You will be benefiting yourself and the environment, using energy that is not going to  damage the environment, something that is especially important today where global warming issues are facing us with such urgency. Passive solar heating is something that we will be seeing a lot of in the future as the need for alternative energy increases.