Archive for the 'Solar Technologies' Category

Passive Solar Heating

Tuesday, June 21st, 2005

Passive Solar Heating
In cold climates, south-facing windows designed to let the sun’s heat in while insulating against the cold are ideal. In hot and moderate climates, the strategy is to admit light while rejecting heat. Interior spaces requiring the most light, heat, and cooling are located along the south face of the building, with less […]

Passive Solar Heating

Friday, June 17th, 2005

Passive Solar Heating
Cooling and Daylighting
Buildings designed for passive solar and daylighting incorporate design features such as large south-facing windows and building materials that absorb and slowly release the sun’s heat. No mechanical means are employed in passive solar heating. Incorporating passive solar designs can reduce heating bills as much as 50 percent. Passive solar designs […]

Photovoltaics

Thursday, June 16th, 2005

Photovoltaics
Photovoltaic solar cells, which directly convert sunlight into electricity, are made of semiconducting materials. The simplest photovoltaic cells power watches and calculators and the like, while more complex systems can light houses and provide power to the electrical grid.