So, what exactly is Solar Energy?
Solar energy is an environment friendly form of energy that uses the energy, which is available naturally. The best feature of this energy is that it is free and is available anywhere on earth. Unaffected by rising prices, solar power energy, is the most effective and renewable source of energy available. The sun is the main source in this case and it is the only powerful source of heat and light. In the face of ever increasing bills and the rise in global warming, it is now mandatory for individuals to use this solar power energy to the fullest.
Some facts about Solar Energy:
- It helps the environment.
- It is a renewable source.
- It can be used and translated into many forms for use (Cooking, heating etc.)
- It is the cheapest source for electricity.
Residential Solar Energy:
As the name suggests, residential solar energy is the use of solar energy for the home. It also depends on the different ways the homes are structured today. Various homes are designed to use the residential solar energy for diverse purposes. Considered to be an expensive affair, residential solar energy, once set up in the complex requires very little maintenance. And once it is implemented, it will obviously save the use of electricity that results in humongous electricity bills.
There are homes that may use the residential solar energy to heat water or for the use of outdoor lights. There are others that completely rely on this form. For example, residential solar energy can be utilized through various mechanical methods. This is an active solar form of energy and can be sourced by using solar panels and solar cells.
Passive Solar Energy:
The use of passive solar energy proves to be different from the one mentioned earlier. Here, the home is structured to reduce the use of energy in the house. For such cases, the buildings are designed to absorb the energy. This is then later distributed and circulated with the use of various features. The passive techniques employ the use of walls, windows, floors, roofs etc. Passive solar energy methods ensure that the building designs create a beautiful balance in terms of the energy requirements. Unlike residential solar energy, passive solar energy mainly used the features of the building to convert the energy of the sun for better use.
Here, the buildings may need to include large windows that can help to illuminate the interiors better. This would in turn also help in proper distribution of heat. As mentioned earlier, due to the design features of the building, it absorbs the heat naturally. Passive solar heating occurs when the sunlight is let in and the heat is translated into different forms of energy. But one of the factors one must consider is the problem of overheating. For example: You can use a double layer of gypsum boards on the walls that will absorb the heat during the day and emit the heat once the sun sets.
The use of passive solar energy can also minimize the use of air conditioners or even completely eradicate the use of them. One can use simple methods such as adjustable shades that can reduce the flow of the radiation caused by the sun. This can in turn cool down the interiors. When the building is being planned, one can also use various techniques such as reduction of the size of the windows or implementing the use of reflective materials. This can help those people, who experience a warmer climate.
Ways to achieve Passive Cooling Using Passive Solar Energy:
Keep the windows open for cooling when needed.
The windows should be located in the upper floor. This would ensure it is heated well.
Ensure that you let the cooler air enter through the ground floor. This can in turn slowly pass on to the other rooms through ducts.
Consult a professional for the installation of proper windows. The right size and materials used, can help in better utilization of light and the sun’s energy. k
Thus we can see that solar power energy can be put to use, in different ways to give us a very practical and cost-effective application of energies in our homes today. This technology of using the light from the sun can be translated into various techniques that will help us reduce not only the electricity bills but also the harmful effects caused by global warming.