We left off explaining the difference between passive solar design systems and direct solar systems. Now that we have cleared up the difference, let's continue....
4. During the design phase we made sure to place the property facing south with the widest exposure and most windows on the south side. We were fortunate to have the latitude to design and build our 4163 square foot home utilizing as many energy efficient thermal package features as possible.
The placement of windows is best left for a more in depth discussion. However, for the purposes of a passive solar energy discussion it is important to note that....
window placement and quantity needs to be balanced. Too many windows facing south may be a detriment in the summer causing too much heat to be let into the home.
24" roof overhangs were installed to create a canapé affect that provided some shading from the hot summer sun. For direct solar systems to be efficient the panels must be placed facing south for maximum direct exposure to the sun. Actually, direct solar panels should be facing east in the morning, if your home is in the US, then rotate to face south and then west, following the movement of the sun through the daylight hours.
5. We live in the northeast U.S. and there are many days that go by when the sky is grey and overcast and the sun is nowhere to be found. Location, location, location is the key ingredient to maximum efficiency from direct solar energy.
6. Anything that interrupts or interferes with the rays of sun from continuously radiating onto the direct solar panels diminishes the efficiency of the potential power to be produced. A tree's leaves, a power line, or a telephone pole that casts a shadow over the panels all cause the efficiency of the system to be diminished. It is essential that there be a clear path for good panel production.
7. The energy usage needed for each home is primarily dependant upon the overall efficiency of a home’s thermal package. The better the home’s ability to retain heat or get cool, the less energy is needed. The less energy a home requires the smaller the unit size it will need for conventional heating and air conditioning equipment, or Direct solar.
You can cut down your heating and cooling costs by improving the thermal package of your home. Having an inefficient thermal package requires the use of larger equipment to produce more energy in order to achieve the same level of comfort that is possible with a more energy efficient home.
The above are not being used as an argument against direct solar systems. The more one understands the intricacies of how something works the chances are that the informed decision will be the best decision.
Our out of pocket cost after utility company grants were applied was approximately $25,000. The majority of consumers in the U.S. making an expenditure of this magnitude needs to get the biggest bang for their buck and solar energy systems are not always the best or only way to achieve this.
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