While many people are aware of active solar energy systems such as solar panels passive solar energy is a division of solar energy that uses the sun s energy in a more natural manner.
Active and passive solar energy pdf.
Active solar systems rely on pumps sophisticated electronic devices and motors to effectively collect and systematically provide solar 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.
In contrast to active solar systems passive systems operate without the reliance on external devices.
It also does not need power coming from an external conventional source.
Remember passive solar simply means that the sun s heat or light isn t processed into something else.
It is also helpful to understand specific savings in cost for buildings that use passive solar energy.
Passive solar energy works by absorbing solar radiation and retaining heat through the use of thermal mass.
Thermal solar panels which are used to pre heat water for use in the home thereby lowering energy bills can also be a form of passive solar depending on the set up.
Examples of passive solar energy use include the following.
How passive solar energy works.
This is a term that refers to any material that stores heat.
Passive solar systems include these features.