Solar power is usually the first thing that comes into mind when talking about green and renewable energy. By solar energy, we mean making use of sunlight – and converting them into energy. For plenty of people, this would mean making use of solar panels in order to generate energy. If you live in an eco friendly community, then you may have seen a solar panel or two perched up on your neighbor’s roofs. Many Lafayette Colorado Real Estate properties have them. However, solar energy is not only generated with the use of solar panels – but can also be done in other ways.
What Is Active Solar Power?
Active solar power is basically the more popular method of generating energy. Active solar panel refers to the panels that are used in order to generate energy. The solar panel system works as a system of solar cells that contain silicone components. The silicone components react chemically once sunlight hits them, and produces and electric charge. Wires that are connected to the cell then gather these charges and sends them to an adapter, which converts the electricity to DC, which is the usable type of energy. The electricity is then stored in a battery or fed into your home’s electrical supply. While this may be the most common method for solar panel, this is certainly not the only way to go.
Passive Solar Power
Passive solar is also another way to make use of solar energy in the household – and it is popular in several parts of the country. Solar panels are not used for passive solar power, there are no batteries to be used and the like. Passive solar power is not used for electricity purposes but only for heating purposes.
The purpose of passive solar power is to take the heat of the sun and use it to heat enclosed spaces. Basically, passive solar power is just making use of the sun’s energy and maximizing it so that you can save electricity on your part. Solar power involves the use of trees, windows, walls and positioning of the house in order to deflect or to capture the sun’s rays. For example, windows that are well positioned may mean more light coming in, thus lesser use of your lighting fixtures.
Another way to make use of this kind of solar power is to position the home in such a way that the windows get maximum penetration from the sun. Dark materials are placed below and around the windows, as this absorbs heat and heats up during the day. At night, when the temperature cools down, the bricks releases the heat that it absorbs and keeps the home warm in the process. Other people make use of windows that absorb solar power into the house in order to keep it warm.
All in all, you may choose to use either – or both when it comes to making your house more eco – friendly and energy efficient. What is important is that you understand the difference between the two before finally deciding on your choice.
It’s time to make good use of solar power (active and passive) and give our contribution to fight against global warming by having eco friendly homes all over Colorado including Louisville CO and Boulder Colorado.
