Installing a solar energy system in your home can be an intimidating process. In addition to the initial price tag, there’s the technology – the panels and the gadgets can take getting used to at first. But harvesting solar energy does not always require mechanical pumps and devices. The sun is always shining. If you spent hours basking beneath it on a clear day, you’d surely feel the results. The same goes for your home. You can make the most of the sun’s energy to heat your home’s interior through building design alone. This technique is called passive solar heating.

Designing a passive solar home in the U.S. begins with south-facing rooms positioned on an east-west axis to make the most out of available sunlight. Multiple windows on the south side will allow more sunlight in for natural warmth and light. Combine this with heat-absorbent floors and walls, and even a hot water heating system that runs via convection, and you’re well on your way.

The beauty of passive techniques is that once you’ve got the components up and running, there is very little maintenance involved. For instance, most, if not all of the work entailed by a solar skylight happens when you install it. After that, it’s all about sun, sun, and more sun coming in and being directed throughout that particular room. Solar skylights disperse light and provide natural heat, lowering your electricity bill in the process.

Low maintenance also goes hand in hand with passive solar’s reputation for being cost effective. Given these two attributes, passive solar heating is remarkably efficient and effective. Ask any solar expert.

Our solar library recently incorporated articles on 3 new passive solar possibilities: Trombe walls, water walls, and solar roof ponds. All interesting ways to get actively solar via the passive route. Enjoy the journey.

Technorati Tags: solar installation, solar roof ponds, solar water walls

Posted on January 10th in Going Solar by Renee.