Active Solar

Both active solar and passive solar technolgies were used in the construction of this home.

Active solar heating systems are most cost-effective when they are used for most of the year, that is, in cold climates with good solar resources. They are most economical if they are displacing more expensive heating fuels, such as electricity, propane, and oil heat. Heating your home with an active solar energy system can significantly reduce your fuel bills in the winter. A solar heating system will also reduce the amount of air pollution and greenhouse gases that result from your use of fossil fuels such as oil, propane, and natural gas for heating or that may be used to generate the electricity that you use.

The local climate, the type and efficiency of the collector(s), and the collector area determine how much heat a solar heating system can provide. It is usually most economical to design an active system to provide 40% to 80% of the home's heating needs. A well-designed and insulated home that incorporates passive solar heating techniques will require a smaller and less costly heating system of any type, and may need very little supplemental heat other than solar.

Passive Solar Opportunities

Both obvious and hidden economic savings can come from building designs that rely on natural lighting. Technologies include efficient windows, skylights, light shafts, and many architectural features that allow natural light to penetrate into the building. South-facing walls achieve the most solar gain during the winter. When trying to use solar energy during the winter for passive solar heating, south-facing glazing is desired.

(Information deemed accurate but not warranted)

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