If you’re in the market for a new home, then you might be wondering which is better – investing in active solar power or going with passive solar designs?
Well, you might not have to wonder for much longer. There are now more affordable options available for solar power, and they’re not just a one-time purchase. You can lease a complete solar system and save thousands in energy costs. You’ll also enjoy the added convenience of having your own clean energy source whenever you need it.
But with all the options available, it can be difficult to know which is the best choice for your particular situation. That’s why we’ve put together this detailed hub comparing the pros and cons of both options.
Passive Solar
If you’ve ever shopped at a thrift store or yard sale, then you might have stumbled upon a treasure trove of vintage solar equipment. In the past, this stuff was expensive and cumbersome to maintain, but modern technology has made it much more affordable and convenient. Today, you can purchase complete passive solar houses that will provide all the necessary functions for the average energy-minded person. If you want to learn more, check out these passive solar house plans by Nava Homes.
These homes utilize what’s known as a double-skin architecture. On the outside, there is a facade that offers some insulation from outside temperatures. This insulation also provides a barrier between you and the elements. In the winter, this facade keeps heat near and inside, while in the summer, it helps regulate temperature. In the spring and autumn, the facade can allow for cross-season heat exchange – something that’s not possible with a single thick layer of material.
On the inside, the floor plan is designed with a central tunnel connecting all the rooms. This tunnel is where the heat from the sun comes in. Depending on the size of your family and how often you cook, this heat is either welcome or unwelcome. If you like to cook and you live in a warmer climate, then you’ll appreciate the additional heat; however, if you don’t like to cook or you live in a colder place, then you might find the centralized tunnel inconvenient. In both cases, the solution is the same: add insulation!
The rooms are arranged around the tunnel in a way that keeps the flow of air continuous and provides even heat distribution. This helps ensure your comfort no matter what season it is. In the winter, your house will be warm and toasty; in the summer, you won’t overheat even with heavy usage. These homes are designed to get the most out of the temperature extremes, and allow for increased airflow compared to a regular house.
The best thing about the passive solar design is how hassle-free it is. Since there’s no direct purchase necessary (other than the initial investment in fixtures and material), your only task is to connect the sun and wind to the power system. Once that’s done, you can sit back and enjoy the convenience of self-sustainability without worrying about high energy bills or the impact of your energy use on the environment.
Active Solar
If you’re the type of person who likes to be in control of everything, then you might consider an active solar power system. These systems consist of a number of solar panels that are connected to an inverter and a battery bank. In addition to providing a regular power supply, the equipment can also be customized to suit your particular needs.
This system gives you the added benefit of being able to control the temperature throughout your home. You can choose how much power you need and when you need it. Moreover, you can use the inverter to feed electricity into the grid, if you so desire. These are just some of the reasons why more and more people are opting for active solar power.
The downside to this system is the cost and the time it takes to set it up. You’ll need to purchase a number of solar panels and battery banks, as well as an inverter to connect them all. Moreover, you’ll need to have an expert install the system for you. The entire process takes about as much time as purchasing a standard house, but with far greater expense. In addition, homeowners who want to be in control of their energy consumption will need to spend a significant amount of time maintaining the equipment.
Which Is Better?
Well, that depends on what you’re looking for. If you want a hassle-free way to generate your own electricity, then go with the passive solar option. But if you want to be in control of your energy consumption, then you might want to opt for the active solar system. The choice is ultimately up to you!