Beyond the energy saving steps associated with most green building practices, many builders and building owners consider solar additions to their existing and new homes. Designing to maximize passive solar, or adding a solar thermal or electric system can have a dramatic impact on your energy bill and the environment.
Considering Passive Solar Design When building a new home, many architects and contractors employ passive solar design. By designing a home with solar orientation in mind, the home maximizes is efficiency, increasing the comfort level for its inhabitants and reducing energy expenditure and cost. Examples of passive solar design include:
Thermal Mass - Building on, or near a large thermal mass, such as a rock or concrete slab. A thermal mass can act as thermal insullation, maintaining a cooler, ground temperature in the summer and absorbing solar radiation in the winter.
Orientation - Orienting your windows toward the south can increase exposure to the sun, and also keep the home warmer during Maine's cold winters. Similarly, reducing exposure to the cold north face of the house can improved efficiency and regulate temperature.
Considering a Solar Thermal System Solar thermal systems can be used to condition air and water in the home using energy from the sun. Thermal systems range in scale and complexity. Some systems contain heat and water exchanging units, while others are so simple you can construct them yourself. Which solar thermal system you choose, really depends on your personal preference, needs, resources, and infrastructe. The major categories of solar thermal systems available today include:
Flat plate collector water heating systems are cost-effective and time-tested.
Evacuated tube collectors are the most efficient thermal systems available.
Solar thermal air systems are often the simplest solar systems in design and installation. They are a low maintenance, cost effective approach to regulating air temperatures in homes and commercial spaces. More complex models include an air-water heat exchange mechanism.
Considering a Solar Electric System Installing a solar electric system on your home has various benefits including:
Energy independence
net metering
decreased energy cost today
decreased energy cost tomorrow: hedge against rising energy costs
