In contrast to active solar systems passive systems operate without the reliance on external devices.
Active and passive solar energy pdf.
Passive solar energy works by absorbing solar radiation and retaining heat through the use of thermal mass.
Remember passive solar simply means that the sun s heat or light isn t processed into something else.
A passive solar system does not involve mechanical devices or the use of conventional energy sources beyond that needed to regulate dampers and other controls if any.
How passive solar energy works.
Examples of passive solar energy use include the following.
Active solar systems rely on pumps sophisticated electronic devices and motors to effectively collect and systematically provide solar energy.
Rather such as in greenhouses solariums and sunrooms solar energy captures sunbeams through glass windows that absorb and retain heat.
Passive solar energy does not require mechanical equipment and electronic devices to gather and distribute solar energy.
It is also helpful to understand specific savings in cost for buildings that use passive solar energy.
This is a term that refers to any material that stores heat.
Thermal solar panels which are used to pre heat water for use in the home thereby lowering energy bills can also be a form of passive solar depending on the set up.
While many people are aware of active solar energy systems such as solar panels passive solar energy is a division of solar energy that uses the sun s energy in a more natural manner.