Solar panels can be used to create the type of solar energy that does not require mechanical aid called passive solar energy. This type of technology uses sunlight to provide heating and cooling of water and air. This is quite interesting in that the very design and location of a home will be based on this technology. The altitude of the sun in winter and summer, and the geographical location of your home, are all variables in utilizing passive solar energy. One example of passive solar energy would be a sunroom, or commonly called a solarium.



Passive solar energy can be used based on the construction of a house to supply energy for heat, and to cool your home. Heat is ventilated into your home after storage. You can also heat your water using passive solar energy.

It has been noted that solar panels used to generate passive solar energy to heat water generate more power than those used for generating electricity. Maybe we should call passive solar energy, straight sun power - uncensored.

The trick to passive solar energy is that it doesn't have to convert solar energy into electricity, thus losing a certain amount of energy in the process. What you're left with is a more efficient heating and cooling system than you would have if you converted solar energy into electricity and then used that solar energy for your water heater, A/C, electric heat registers, and other such appliances.

However, you may want to complement the cooling aspect of this system with a dehumidifier or two, to take the humidity out of the air, which can make the cooling feel a lot more efficient, or you may even want to have an air conditioner for back up for particularly hot days that reach degrees in the three digits. People in Texas and Nevada, Arizona, will need this.

Solar panels will cover about 1/3 the total square feet of your home. Whether you are using panels for passive solar energy or solar energy for electricity, or both, the cost savings is worth it. In time it will pay for the initial cost of installation.

Installing your home solar energy system right the first time with aid of a professional will position you to enjoy free energy safe for the environment and beneficial to your family. Not to mention, increase the value of your home.

As always I like to remind everyone that although the cost may be high at first, there is financial aid and breaks available from your local state. Just log on and search for solar power financial aid. There are great incentives given due to the ever increasing awareness of the condition of our environment. These incentives are much like the ones for owning an electric car.

So, we hope that you have been given something to think about as you consider using solar energy for your home. After all the sun is going to shine and not bill you for its services. The only initial charge is the upfront installation of the system itself.