Solar energy conversion is becoming popular with the passage of time. The devices that operate on solar energy do not need any other sort of fuel. Therefore, you are not required to spend a lot of money for the fuel purposes. The function of the solar energy driven devices depend on the amount or sunlight that falls on the solar panel during daytime.

Uses of solar energy

Solar energy is being used for a number of functions. Heating is one of the most important and widespread application of solar energy systems. Passive solar heating has three components that include isolated solar gain, indirect gain, and direct gain. The major difference between the three solar gains is that direct and indirect solar gain is known for happening in the place very close to the space that is being heated.

Solar gain

In other words we can say that the gain caused by the solar energy near to the place that is supposed to be heated includes direct and indirect gain. On the other hand, opposite thing occurs in case of isolated solar gain. When the solar energy is collected in the form of heat at one place and is used at another place, then the solar gain is known as isolated solar gain. The reason for considering this gain passive is that there is no need of any mechanical device to accomplish the task.

Mechanical devices used to transfer heat

You are not required to use any sort of fans or pumps when it comes to isolate solar gain.

However, in very rare cases mechanical fans are utilized to convey heat from one the isolated place to the other spaces. You can call it as an active, when you are required to force the heat to transfer from one isolated place to the entire house with the help of fans.

Conduction and other processes included in transfer

Conduction is the major process most of the times through which the heat is transferred from the sunspaces and sunrooms to the other parts of the house. Sunspaces are the one of the most common manifestation of solar gain. Thermal masse including water containers, masonry floor, masonry wall, are used for sunspaces in order to absorb solar heat.

Location of the sunspaces

To gain the maximum amount of solar energy, the sunrooms and sunspaces are located on the south side of the houses. Vertical and low-emissivity windows are used to help the regulation of the temperature in the room.

Daytime absorption of solar energy

These spaces absorb the sunlight during the daytime, and then that heat is transferred to the other parts of the house through ceiling, windows, floor vents, and doors via conduction at night. Greenhouses are another application of isolated solar gain. These houses are designed to grow plants. Therefore, the temperature is maintained according to it.