In my opinion, our sun offers an energy source that is virtually inexhaustible, plentiful, and relatively easy to harness. Solar energy should and will be a huge part of our overall energy solution. So, you might ask: How do we harness the sun’s energy? I’m glad you asked. Following is what I consider to be the Basics of Solar.
As I see it, solar energy is harnessed by three means – Passive, Thermal and Photovoltaic. Following is a quick overview of Passive and Thermal.
Passive Solar
This is the direct interaction of our environment & us with the sun. There is no physical mechanism that serves to harness the energy. Instead, there is an intellectual mechanism – common sense.
We are a witness of and participant in Passive Solar every day. It is the warmth of the sun’s rays on our skin or the movement of air as it warms and shifts. Common sense serves to remind us to use sunscreen when exposed for prolonged periods of time. Common sense should also afford us the knowledge to take advantage of Passive Solar energy in our homes.
Given the opportunity, a home should be oriented on an east/west line, exposing it to the travels of the sun in the south. With a proper overhang, the suns heat can be blocked during the warm summer months when it travels high, and allowed inside during the cooler winter months when its warmth is welcome. Light can be allowed in through the use of clerestory windows configured in a way such that the light is forced to reflect and diffuse before entering the interior spaces, which also serves to eliminate the damaging UV rays.
Thermal Solar
This is the harnessing of the sun’s heat. Generally, it is used for the purposes of heating water. Most commonly, it used to heat pools or to supplement the task of a water heater.
The harnessing mechanism here is a heat-absorbing element through which water is pumped and subsequently distributed. In its most simplistic form, this mechanism is comprised of black, or dark, pipes or tubing enclosed in box with a glass panel. The heat is trapped and absorbed by the pipes or tubing and transmitted to the water as it passes through. Of course, it’s not a perfect system, as more energy is required to pump the water through the somewhat larger network.
Dana W. Ball
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