The Solar Heating Choice For Your Home: Active Systems vs. Passive Systems

Are you in the market for a solar heating system? If that is the case, then you will be pleased to learn that you have several options. That includes active systems and passive systems.

The Active Solar Heating System

These systems involve the collection and storage of solar energy heat. Fans and other components are used to distribute the heat following its collection. Silicon solar cells usually function as the collector of solar energy’s heat. Solar panels located on a building’s roof are the most common method of utilizing these solar cells.

Main types Active Solar Heating systems

Two major types exist, and vary on the type of material used for the collection and transferring of heat from the solar collector. An air-based system usually includes tools such as transpired air collectors and air room heaters. Meanwhile, water or antifreeze is usually the materials in a liquid-based system.

The power potential of Active Solar Heating Systems

Usually such systems attempt to heat up to three-fourths of a structure’s interior. Is over 100% possible? Yes, this could give you the option of selling extra energy to your local utility company. Another option is to heat both air and water within your home. That will give your Active Solar Heating System the ability to function from January to December.

The Passive Solar Heating System

This type of system could be best defined as low-tech. The particular method of collecting solar energy works by directly collecting warmth from the sun’s rays, and then storing it inside the structure. Heating is always the function of the heat. Windows and excellent insulation are some of the main materials for Passive Solar Heating Systems. After installing a Passive Solar Heating System, you can expect your heating costs to decrease. In fact, you might be able to replace your entire heating system!

Pluses of Passive Solar Heating Systems

Generally, this is the wisest option if you are choosing a solar heating system for a new structure. Issues that impact the efficiency of a Passive Solar Heating System include the positions of the windows on a house, the location of the building, and the amount of insulation contained in the building. These issues can be difficult to change in homes that are not new—requiring much time, effort, and money to alter them.

Important components of a Passive Solar Heating System

One of them is the trombe. This crucial component of Solar Heating Systems is a special type of wall. It contains a sheet of glass in the front of it. The space created between the glass and wall gathers heat. You could also paint the concrete walls black, in order to boost its absorption of heat. Black is the best color for absorbing heat, which will increase your heating system’s efficiency.

However, the most important components of Passive Solar Heating Systems are windows. The windows increase the quantity of sunlight and heat that a home can collect from sunrise to sunset. Typically, the windows are manufactured using a special glass type. The glass can absorb a tremendous amount of heat, and then hold that heat for a long duration.

After considering these above facts about Passive and Active Solar Heating Systems, you will be better equipped to choose one or the other.