Passive solar energy does not require mechanical equipment and electronic devices to gather and distribute solar energy.
Active and passive solar energy pdf.
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.
Rather such as in greenhouses solariums and sunrooms solar energy captures sunbeams through glass windows that absorb and retain heat.
How passive solar energy works.
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.
This is a term that refers to any material that stores heat.
Passive solar energy works by absorbing solar radiation and retaining heat through the use of thermal mass.
In contrast to active solar systems passive systems operate without the reliance on external devices.
Examples of passive solar energy use include the following.
Greenhouses these make use of large panes of glass that absorb solar radiation.
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.
It also does not need power coming from an external conventional source.
It is also helpful to understand specific savings in cost for buildings that use passive solar energy.