Save Money with a Passive Solar House

If you have considered a solar home and have decided to look into the aspects of a passive solar house, throw out everything that you have learned about solar energy because the design of a passive solar house is quite different.

Although the concept is the same in capturing the sun's heat and reusing is the same, a passive solar house works on the notion that storage is not forever available but uses the continuous flow of the sun's rays to work.

Passive Solar versus Regular Solar

A passive solar house differs from a traditional solar house by not using solar cells contained in solar panels to collect heat. The walls of a passive solar house act as the collector of heat and store for only a short period of time. This may sound like a waste of time but the energy saved is quite significant not to mention the comfort level.

Design of a Passive Solar House

A passive solar house is almost always made of concrete because this type of material has a high thermal mass quality that is not found in wood. The concrete acts as an energy collector, keeping a room warm or cool, depending on the season. A slanted wall of glass along the southern side of the home attracts the sun's rays and transmits to the concrete inside.

Why Concrete?

Concrete is very versatile in durability, longevity, economy and ease of maintenance. It is also a great deterrent against termites, rot and storms not to mention the ability to store energy. While most airtight homes are compared to a zip-lock bag and the only circulation of artificial air comes from a mechanical system, concrete allows natural air to be captured, creating a healthier type of environment in a passive solar house.

5 Elements Needed for a Passive Solar House

1. The aperture or collector is a large glass area that allows the sunlight to enter a passive solar house

2. The absorber is a hard, darkened surface such as a wall, floor or water container that attracts the energy.

3. Thermal mass is the material used (concrete) to provide storage for the attracted sunlight.

4. A method of distribution of conduction, convection and radiation are in place with the collector, absorber and thermal mass without using artificial means of fans and ducts.

5. Control of the sunlight reflecting into the room of passive solar houses can be found in roof overhands, low-emissive blinds and awnings.

Passive solar houses are becoming popular because of the low costs and added benefits that they offer. Start living with healthier air that passive solar houses address with simple technology. There is nothing difficult to learn, no electronic devices to go bad and no expensive materials to buy. Passive solar houses are a simple alternative to creating a comfortable atmosphere that will last for years.