Types of Solar Energy For Home

Today, in our homes and at work, most of us use many energy-intensive processes that make our lives easier. Drinking water is available simply by turning a spigot or tap, sewage and waste are safely removed and treated, and we use lights, heat, and automatic washers and dryers. These are everyday luxuries brought about by energy-intensive processes. Fact is, we could live without them all, but we choose not to.

The energy required to power these technologies is traditionally based on fossil fuel consumption. However, today’s technology has advanced to the point at which we now have alternative options for how we supply energy for our luxuries. We have a viable and important energy source in solar energy.

Solar energy is the only choice for most of the world. The most efficient form of energy, it can and should be used to save or conserve energy or as a complementary technology to more traditional energy sources.

Energy and Oil

The world’s dramatic increase in energy consumption began in the late 1800s with the mass consumption of oil. Petroleum was refined to produce kerosene, which replaced whale oil, primarily for lighting. Petroleum
byproducts include kerosene, gasoline, and other oil products.

Coal was used for home heating until the 1950s, and crude oil is still in use in some homes. The massive use of oil began during World War II with the requirement of transportable fuel for mechanized warfare. The WW II generation came home from the war to a new way of life.

Passive Solar

Passive solar is far more available, affordable, and earth friendly than traditional energy sources. Passive solar involves the direct use of sunlight without the need for any type of mechanical assistance. Passive solar energy can be used directly or in combination with other energy forms. It can be used for heating, lighting, cooling, water purification, and much more.

A properly designed home in a temperate climate can use passive solar heating without additional heat sources. In the southwestern United States, for example, many individuals have chosen to build passive
solar homes. These homes remain cool during a 110°F day and warm even during a 30°F evening.

Passive solar is the easiest form of energy to use in the home for the following reasons:
• Passive solar is free to use.
• Solar energy is available everywhere the sun shines.
• The energy is delivered free to your home.
• Passive solar creates zero pollutants.
• Passive solar can be used on a consumer, commercial, or industrial scale.
• Passive solar has a 4.5-billion-year history of reliability.

Passive solar can be used in combination with mechanical devices, which, once installed, require little or no additional energy. These devices can replace others that require large amounts of energy. A perfect example is a solar hot water heater.