Now you can power your house with green energy. It may sound expensive or difficult to convert normal home into sun-inspired home. But in fact, it is fairly simple and economical. These have countless benefits. Being environment-friendly, these are safer and not harmful for the atmosphere around.
Two methods of solar heating are “active” and “passive”.
Active solar heating
Specific equipment is required for active solar heating. Pumps and fans are needed to move or direct sun heat. There are two further classifications in it, which are air-based and liquid systems.
1.Air-based solar heating
In air-based solar heating systems, collectors are used. These trap air which absorbs and transfers heat from the sun. Air-based system can work on lower efficiency than liquid ones. Why is that so? The reason is that air cannot transfer heat efficiently like water can do.
Advantages of air-based solar heating
There is an advantage of air-based solar heating that these systems can warm up room directly. These can also function early in the morning and late in the day. Moreover, these are easy to build and install. These can be fixed outside so that more than one room in a house can be heated.
Air-based connectors are mostly installed on window frames, roofs and walls.
2.Liquid-based active solar heating
Liquid solar collectors are used in liquid-based systems. These trap and move heat. Most common are flat-plate collectors. A fluid, like water or antifreeze is filled. This liquid absorbs heat. This heated fluid is then transferred to heat exchanger or storage tank through mechanical collector such as pump.
Important considerations
While installing solar heating system, consider these important things first:
- Its cost is affordable
- Size is suitable to your particular needs
- It is durable and long-lasting
- Tank placement is absolutely accurate
When entire mechanism is properly installed, solar heat can be distributed with a central-forced air system, a radiant floor, and a baseboard or hot water radiator.
Passive solar heating
Another type is Passive solar heating system. It works by storing solar energy. It does not require any electrical or mechanical devices.
This is mainly done through building design and structure.
What are the main advantages of passive solar heating?
Passive solar heating system is cost-effective. It can be installed with low cost. Its maintenance expenditure is also not much. These utilize free sunlight.
Passive solar homes are built facing towards South, where sun exposure is at the highest degree. In this way, using sun energy is convenient and efficiency of this system increases.
Combination of active and passive heating system
Active techniques can be combined with passive methods. This enables home to get naturally-energized. Since all equipment is powered by solar energy, these are low-cost, environment-friendly and easy to maintain.
Photovoltaic (PV) modules
PV modules are the most popular devices in solar-powered homes. These are made from a chain of solar cells, which absorb sunlight. Semiconductor in the cells liberates electrons, when photons from sunlight enter into it. This in turn creates electrical current, which is used by metal borders of photovoltaic cell.
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