| Solar energy is power that is drawn from the sun's | | | | building, or for internal rooms that have no other form |
| rays. There are many uses for this power source | | | | of natural lighting. |
| such as, heating, producing electricity and lighting, as | | | | A solar hot water service is another passive method |
| well as powering household appliances and | | | | of harnessing the sun's rays, and will provide a natural |
| experimental motor vehicles. Converting a household's | | | | source of energy for any household. Installing a solar |
| energy needs over to sun driven applications is a great | | | | panel is a cost effective way of providing domestic |
| way to help control global warming, as well as reduce | | | | hot water, space heaters for the house and also, for |
| power costs. | | | | warming the swimming pool. There are certain |
| Passive solar powered systems absorb the sun's rays, | | | | accessories on the market that are designed to |
| then use the energy to heat water or utensils that can | | | | enhance the performance of some solar systems. |
| provide ventilation, heating and cooking systems that | | | | These add on tools, perform functions like activating |
| are independent of conventional power generators. | | | | retractable awnings, operating thermostats or |
| Passive systems that harness solar energy, generally | | | | powering vents, and will use a limited amount of regular |
| cost nothing to run, are maintenance free and | | | | power. |
| environmentally friendly. Professionally built units are | | | | Passive solar systems have been used since ancient |
| available and once they are correctly installed, and | | | | times, when Greek and Roman architects designed |
| positioned so as to attract the maximum amount of | | | | buildings that took advantage of the sun's energy. Early |
| daily sunlight, they are extremely efficient and will last a | | | | Romans took this technology one step further by |
| lifetime. | | | | fabricating glass panels to cover openings in the |
| For people who are planning to build a new home, or | | | | buildings that faced south. This accentuated and |
| renovate their existing home, this is a great time to | | | | retained the daily heat from the winter's sun and also |
| consider utilizing solar energy. The most practical way | | | | reduced the need for conventional heating fuel, which |
| of putting the sun's rays to use is by installing glass | | | | at that time was wood. |
| windows and doors that face the sun, in order to | | | | There are many household appliances that have been |
| provide warmth and illumination. Various types of | | | | designed to use solar energy and as the need to |
| glasses are available that will reduce glare and protect | | | | reduce greenhouse gas emissions increases, these |
| privacy, while still allowing light and warmth from the | | | | appliances will come into vogue and become standard |
| sun to enter the building. Sky lights and light tubes in the | | | | household items. |
| roof can also be installed to provide lighting for a | | | | |