Solar power is the world’s fastest-growing renewable source of electricity generation and a crucial component of the transition toward a decarbonized future. Contact online >>
Solar power is the world’s fastest-growing renewable source of electricity generation and a crucial component of the transition toward a decarbonized future.
But how does it actually work?
And what''s the difference between passive and active solar energy?
Both active and passive solar power are produced by harnessing the sun''s rays and using them to generate either heat or electricity.
Active solar energy can also refer to systems that use the sun''s heat. But the definition also includes the form of solar power you''re most familiar with. Using solar panels to convert the sun''s energy into household electricity.
Let''s focus on electricity generation first, then move on to passive and active solar heating.
(Source: Energy Education)
Solar energy consists of light and heat generated by nuclear fusion reactions inside the sun. The most frequent modern use of solar energy relies on the photovoltaic effect. Solar power systems capture photons the sun irradiates and convert them into DC electricity.
Photovoltaic (PV) modules — most commonly solar panels —utilize numerous solar cells under a transparent protective surface like tempered glass to capture the sun''s energy. Solar cells are typically monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicon and conductive metal contacts.
Each solar cell contains two semiconductors — p-type and n-type. Together, they form a p-n junction to create an electric field and convert solar energy into DC electricity.
The solar cells inside a PV panel capture solar energy. But a portable power station or other balance of system is required to convert the Direct Current produced by solar panels into usable Alternating Current (AC) or "household" electricity.
The above process is what most people think of when they think of "solar power."
However, there''s more than one way to harness solar energy. It doesn''t require solar panels — and it''s all about heat.
(Source: 2030Palette)
Passive solar energy doesn''t require solar panels, a portable power station, or other balance of system.
Instead, passive solar power relies on the peak sunlight your house receives and uses materials like brick, stone, and water (thermal mass) to store heat.
Passive solar energy can heat your home in the winter and help keep it cool in the summer.
Passive solar energy alone will rarely be sufficient to fully heat or cool a home year round — especially in climates with extremes of heat and cold. Additional HVAC systems will almost certainly be required. But, correctly designed, passive solar systems can be a cost-effective way to at least partially heat or cool your home.
(Source: OSU)
Isolated gain is probably the most well-known passive solar system — especially in new-built homes and commercial buildings. It relies on a sunspace (or solarium) to collect sunlight which is stored in the thermal mass and distributed to the rest of the house.
Sunspaces can be built as additions to existing homes. But most properties are unlikely to have a suitable area that meets all the preconditions for a passive solar system to work effectively.
(Source: Energy.gov)
Generating electricity using active solar energy captured by solar panels and converted into AC power by a balance of system is covered above.
But electricity generation isn''t the only active solar energy application.
(Source: Penn State)
Liquid-based active solar heating systems are the most common and typically used to provide central heat. Solar water heaters are another widespread application of active solar power systems, and the principles behind both are similar.
(Source: Rethinking the Future)
Other methods of active solar heating include room air heaters, transpired air collectors, and ventilation preheating.
Many people believe photovoltaic (PV) systems using solar panels are the only type of solar energy applications.
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