Home > Learning Center > Solar Heat

Solar Heat

Using solar energy to heat space in your home, business, or even water is known as solar heating.  Solar heat is divided into two groups, which are the same as the groups of solar energy; active and passive.  Active heating systems uses radiation to heat objects indirectly using a generator that converts the suns energy to heat.  Passive heating systems rely on the design and structure of the building to collect and distribute heat.  However heat is transferred throughout a building cool air can be transferred the same way.  Many solar heating systems work dually as a cooling systems as well, saving you on cost while being environmentally friendly!

Many household systems that use solar heat consist of a solar panel with a heat transfer generator that converts energy to heat.  This heat can be stored in a hot water tank or a household radiator.  Is a more simple system water can be heated directly by the panel.  The tank must be below the panel and the panel must be positioned in a way that refracts the light directly onto the pool of water.  This system is cheap and easy to build.  

Solar heat can also be used to heat objects and vehicles by using solar radiation. Solar heating depends mainly on the surface are and the reflectance of the object.  Solar heating reaches a state of equilibrium because the heat that comes from the sun is often refracted or reflected away from objects.   White objects stay much cooler then objects of any other color because they reflect light and do not absorb heat.   Darker objects tend to better absorb heat.  If you wish to heat your house using solar energy it is wise to have a darker roof with many sun roofs and windows for the sun to show through.  Also darker paints and carpets will assist you in keeping rooms warm.

 

Solar Energy | Renewable Energy | Learning Center | Site Map | Links | Contact | Home

Copyright © 2009