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Solar Hot Water

Success Solar Group is dedicated to helping people solve they’re energy needs, the Success Solar Group knows that in order to get this country back on its feet, we need to get off the oil addiction we have with the Middle East, we have the ability and technology to move from a fossil fuel to high technology source with an abundance that is totally unlimited, free, clean and covers the whole planet.

We have been at the mercy of foreign countries, greedy corporations far too comfortable in the status quo, and at a price that has cost America jobs and a standard of living that flourished as little as 30 years ago. As a country we have set the bar for the last 150 years, we did it by innovation, hard work and the spirit of the people, we need to reclaim what we built and show the world a new Phoenix.

Solar energy has the ability to power our homes including hot water, the internet, our cars, our appliances – Everything!

We have had the technology for awhile now and we have not taken advantage of it, were too immersed in our status quo, we need to shake ourselves and take action. Oil is a finite source of energy, the sun is infinite, we don’t have to dig, drill, mine for this energy, it comes to us.

Photovoltaics

Photovoltaics (PV) is a method of generating electrical power by converting solar radiation into direct current electricity using semiconductors that exhibit the photovoltaic effect. Photovoltaic power generation employs solar panels comprising a number of cells containing a photovoltaic material. Materials presently used for photovoltaics include monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, cadmium telluride, and copper indium selenide/sulfide. Due to the growing demand for renewable energy sources, the manufacture of solar cells and photovoltaic arrays has advanced considerably in recent years.

Photovoltaics is just one of the many new solar powered systems that has been developed, another system is…Organic photovoltaic devices (OPVs) are fabricated from thin films of organic semiconductors, such as polymers and small-molecule compounds, and are typically on the order of 100 nm thick. Because polymer based OPVs can be made using a coating process such as spin coating or inkjet printing, they are an attractive option for inexpensively covering large areas as well as flexible plastic surfaces. A promising low cost alternative to silicon solar cells, there is a large amount of research being dedicated throughout industry and academia towards developing OPVs and increasing their power conversion efficiency.These are just a few the technologies in the works right now, we had solar power panels a long time, we need to incorporate them more consistently and over a much larger area, they should be mandatory with all new construction. Many large corporations like Google, IBM and others have installed they’re own energy systems to supply power to they’re facilities, and this is a trend that is growing by leaps and bounds.Its time as Americans to join together and rebuild our energy systems that will affect our environment, economy and our spirits, what say you America!

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New York Solar Incentives

In 1997, the State of New York enacted a New York Solar Tax Credit for individuals to retrofit residential property and multi-family property with solar systems.

New York homeowners are eligible for a personal tax credit of up to 25% for the cost of solar system equipment and installation for solar PV systems and solar thermal systems. The maximum incentive for solar energy systems is ,000.

System sizes cannot exceed 10kW for residential solar PV systems while properties owned by condominium or cooperative housing associations are allowed up to 50kW per solar PV system.

If the tax credit exceeds your taxable liability, it may be carried-forward for the next five tax years.

To take advantage of this personal tax credit, solar PV systems must meet the New York net metering law which limits photovoltaic systems to 10kW. However the law was expanded in August 2008 with S.B. 7171 allowing for net-metering on residential photovoltaic (pv) systems up to 25kW. The state has not clarified whether or not the new net-metering law limits can be applied to this personal tax credit for solar-electric systems.

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) also offers rebates to photovoltaic installers. This NYSERDA solar incentive is equal to .75/watt DC subject to shading, system orientation, tilt angle, and other derates to performance. No eligible system size has been specified and production output may not exceed 110% of the required annual energy load. The maximum NYSERDA solar incentive amounts and system capacities are as follows:

Residential: ,750, 5kW

Non-residential: 2,500, 50kW

Non-profit, government, schools: ,250, 25kW

There are also local options to help property owners install solar. Solar systems have a 100% property tax exemption up to 15 years. Another local option is a Municipal Sustainable Energy Program where property owners use Property-Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing to pay for renewable energy upgrades. In July 2005, New York made all sales and installations of residential solar-energy systems 100% exempt from the state sales tax and use tax.

The State of New York will benefit from distributed energy sources. By distributing energy sources, it promotes energy security and eventually energy independence (with the installation of renewable energy). With the New York Solar Tax Credit for individuals and other incentive programs, New York is well on their way to meeting their renewable energy goals.

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Is a Solar Home Right for You?

Article by Solar Home Site

Step 1 – The Energy Audit

If you would like to construct a solar house, you will need to conduct an energy audit to calculate the total requirements of your daily energy needs.

Most of the energy that is consumed in your house is reserved for water heaters, washers, dryers, dishwashers, computers, refrigerators, freezers, heaters, air conditioners, electronic equipment and boilers. A careful audit of total energy consumed by all these utilities will help you to determine the type of energy efficiency innovations which should be carried out in your home.

Step 2 – Energy-Efficient Home Design

Designing and constructing an energy-efficient, solar house requires careful planning and attention to details. There are several types of solar home designs and remodeling techniques available to suit everyone’s taste and you may consider approaching a qualified professional to choose the one which satisfies most of your needs.

Two Approaches

Basically there are two approaches to building your solar home:

1) a passive solar home design that does not require mechanical heating or cooling, or

2) an active solar home design, which uses innovative solar energy collectors capable of absorbing solar radiation, then transporting the heat directly to storage systems, from which the heat is redistributed

Passive Solar

A solar home that is designed with a passive system is very efficient in that your home’s walls, windows, tiles and other surfaces can be configured to collect and store solar energy, and then redistribute it in the form of heat in colder winter climates and reject the same in warmer summer months.

Passive energy designs are very efficient and do not use mechanical equipment such as fans and pumps to distribute the heat. Of course, with mechanical equipment comes more power, but also more opportunities for parts to wear out and require maintenance.

Active Solar

If you are residing in a colder climate area, then you may prefer active solar home designs, to displace costlier energy resources like electricity, propane and oil.

Other added advantages of using an active solar energy system is that you are saving huge energy bills in harsh winter months and also reduce emitting noxious gases to a considerable degree.

Selecting appropriate solar energy equipment depends on many factors like site, terrain, design and energy requirements. However, the local climatic conditions are often the most important parameters in deciding the type of solar home design.

Step 3 – Paying for Building or Remodeling Your Solar Efficient Home

Building your dream solar home needs considerable amount of money and thus a careful planning is essential in preparing the right budget and accessing beneficial finance options. Luckily, finding a viable finance option has never been easier and there are many options and programs to choose from accredited funding agencies.

Possibly the most practical finance option is the energy mortgage program, which is still unfamiliar to many homebuyers, architects and even real estate agents.

Energy Mortgages

An energy mortgage is an innovative program that increases your buying power by enabling bankers and lenders to calculate the total monthly energy needs and ensuing savings, and reassign them as additional sources of income!

There are two types of energy mortgages:

]>> an energy-efficient mortgage system and ]>> an energy improvement mortgage system.

These energy mortgage systems depend upon your home energy rating aspect to calculate the amount of savings accrued from home efficiency features and utilities.

About the Author

The Solar Home Site provides energy-efficient ideas, how-to’s and product recommendations. Save on your electricity costs as soon as this year!

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Advantages of Solar Energy: Top Ten Reasons to Start Using Solar Power in Day to Day Living

Article by Steven Kunt

Fossil fuels have always been implemented as an all-natural source of power. Oil, coal and gas resources these days have decreased not to mention making contributions predominantly to increasing toxins towards environment. Scientific studies are looking for strategies to deliver power options to either help in reducing or perhaps end the destruction we people have inadvertently generated ourselves. Among the most noticeable choices is the solar powered energy.

Sun’s ray is a renewable supply of energy. Generating solar energy will not be accomplished during night time or on cloudy times. Provided that the sun won’t be away long, the supply of sun’s energy will continue to be generated. Many reasons exist why individuals need to head up using sun’s energy alternatively.

Listed below are ten highest reasons why we must benefit from our own solar power technology.

1. For one, solar technology is efficient. There is absolutely no need to be concerned of utilizing everything up. Sunlight is a stable, solid power source. This merely suggests that there is going to be a totally free method of obtaining solar powered energy each day.

2. Solar power is environment friendly. Solar power doesn’t emit toxins most notably greenhouse gases, carcinogens and carbon dioxide. It is noticeably less dangerous if employ everyday as compared to non-renewable fuels. Solar energy does not harm the earth all over it at all.

3. Usage of solar panels has become reputable for there are no moving parts. You do not have to worry about replacing anything at all. Producing usable energy necessitates little or no maintenance in any way.

4. Taking sun’s rays as source of energy won’t generate environmental noise in contrast to some other natural resources. No other types of sustainable energy source are silent-type such as this.

5. Solar power is low priced. It is actually less costly than others purchased from power companies. Obviously, organizing your own solar power costs a little however, in due time you’ll be able to reap much from your investment.

6. An additional benefit of sunlight energy is that there are numerous kinds of solar panels you can find. Various product prices range from a couple hundred dollars to tens of thousands. This allows folks on all areas of life to get their very own solar power panels. Acquiring one is never a difficulty.

7. Residential solar panels do not require owners to connect with any kind of power lines. It’s self-sufficient enough and lives off the power grid. You may generate solar power even with the lack of electricity.

8. Extra electrical energy created may be distributed to any kind of power businesses. There’re far too pleased to utilize your excesses. Getting in touch with local electrical power suppliers can help you to be completely informed with accurate information.

9. Another is that most government authorities provide residents with tax credits or benefits upon buying of solar power systems. Average rebates rates from 20% to 30% of exactly what the system traditionally charges. This is certainly great particularly for people who have larger than life tax expenses.

10. Lastly, solar energy consistently gets better over time. Installing homemade solar systems heightens astonishingly year per year.

Primary set up of solar panel’s costs minimal so there is no way why you must not seize one. The gain of investment is usually as good as it is rather than depending on electrical power from power firms which charges customers an arm and a leg. Creating solar energy is costless. Why not grab yours today?

About the Author

Burning up of fossil fuels does not only result in pollution but has also increased health threats to humans. Understanding the advantages of solar energy will obviously, in a great way give you ample information and facts as to why using solar panel technology as a substitute energy resource is not only just to your great advantage but for all. To know more about solar energy, click http://www.solarenergysavings.net .

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Kyocera Solar to begin production of solar modules in San Diego

With goals of competing in the United States solar market, Kyocera Solar announced that they will open up solar module manufacturing in their San Diego facility.  

This move will bring them much closer to a Kyocera Solar milestone of generating 1000 kilowatts or 1 gigawatt of solar capacity per year by 2013.  Reaching this mark would allow Kyocera Solar to supply 3.5 kW solar electric systems to about 285,000 homes.  With an initial production goal of 30 megawatts per year, solar module manufacturing will begin in Kyocera’s existing Balboa Avenue facility.  

Kyocera Solar will take advantage of their current manufacturing operations to offer the U.S. solar market the company’s most powerful and most efficient solar modules.  Two reasons why Kyocera Solar chose San Diego are because it is close to Kyocera Mexicana in Tijuana and because San Diego’s solar market has the most potential in the most ambitious state when it comes to renewable energy standards.  San Diego has a rising  demand for large-scale photovoltaic systems and Kyocera Solar wants to focus on meeting that demand.  Overall, California has deployed more solar energy systems than any other state.

“Today’s announcement is further proof that California’s nation-leading green policies play a vital role in our state’s economic success.  Even in this recession, green jobs in California have grown, and Kyocera’s decision to locate its solar manufacturing operations in San Diego will create even more jobs at a time when they are needed most,” said Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. 

Though the Kyoto, Japan based Kyocera has been involved in clean energy technology through solar modules for the past 35 years, they are widely known for their success in telecommunications, copiers, printers, industrial ceramics and more.  In the year ending March 31, 2009, Kyocera netted sales of .5 billion.

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Build A Solar Panel

Many modern homes today have solar panels as a standard feature. If you have an old house or bought a house that did not include solar panels then it is not too late to build a solar panel! You can always add them later!

As we all know, a solar panel is a device which you can use to collect solar energy from the sun that can then be converted into electricity using inverters. This electricity can be used to generate power for your home. The size of the solar panels depend on how much or the percentage of your home that you want to power using solar electricity. If you what to  build a solar panel for your home, you must take into consideration the factors that might affect the efficiency of your device.

In a climate where you get a lot of steady sunlight, it is a good idea to build solar hot water heater to use that sunlight into your advantage. There are different types of thermal solar panels or solar water heaters and they may differ in degrees of difficulty to build. The batch water heater is the most common type of solar water heater and is definitely the easiest to build. Basic mechanics of a batch hot water heater includes a water tank that is placed outside or in a glass container for the sunlight to be able to heat the water inside. The best way to build a batch water heater is to paint the water tank with matte black paint for it to absorb as much sunlight as possible and then stick that water tank inside a glass box. This glass box will trap the heat of the sunlight that is not immediately absorbed by the water tank. The disadvantage in using a batch water heater is that you will need to empty the tank during the time when the weather drops below freezing point as pipes that are frozen might burst.

There are also different types of solar panel array mountings, the fixed, adjustable, and the tracking type. Fixed solar panel mounts are the simplest and least expensive. Adjustable solar panel mounts has an adjustable angle of inclination which can be moved at a lower angle of the sun during winter. Tracking solar panel mounts follow the path of the sun during the day in order to maximize the solar radiation that the solar panel receives. The tracking solar panel mount is the most efficient among all types.

These are not the only things that you should consider when you are adding solar panels to your home.  You should also consider several other factors when building solar panels for your home. This include the shading and shadows on solar panels, temperature and wind loading, cost and expected life span of your solar panels, and the amount of sunshine you will be getting from where you are located and where your control panel will be placed.

Remember that when you decide to make a green decision like building solar panels for your home, you are paving the wave for a greener earth!

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What is a Solar Panel? How it Works?

If you truly wish your source of energy to be independent, there are only a few choices: solar in the form of solar electric panels, hot water panels, and passive heating; wind generators for electric production and windmills for water pumping; and hydro electric generators.

A good rule of thumb is that once you eliminate the use of electricity for space heating, water heating, and cooking (electric stoves), most any house can be operated successfully from a solar, wind, or hydro system.

What is a Solar Panel?

Solar panels generate free power from the sun by converting sunlight to electricity with no moving parts, zero emissions, and no maintenance. The solar panel, the first component of a Solar Power System, is a collection of individual silicon cells that generate electricity from sunlight. The photons (light particles) produce an electrical current as they strike the surface of the thin silicon wafers. A single solar cell produces only about 1/2 (.5) of a volt. However, a typical 12 volt panel about 25 inches by 54 inches will contain 36 cells wired in series to produce about 17 volts peak output. If the solar panel can be configured for 24 volt output, there will be 72 cells so the two 12 volt groups of 36 each can be wired in series, usually with a jumper, allowing the solar panel to output 24 volts. When under load (charging batteries for example), this voltage drops to 12 to 14 volts (for a 12 volt configuration) resulting in 75 to 100 watts for a panel of this size.

Multiple solar panels can be wired in parallel to increase current capacity (more power) and wired in series to increase voltage for 24, 48, or even higher voltage systems. The advantage of using a higher voltage output at the solar panels is that smaller wire sizes can be used to transfer the electric power from the solar panel array to the charge controller & batteries.

Basic Types of Solar Panels

Monocrystalline solar panels: The most efficient and expensive solar panels are made with Monocrystalline cells. These solar cells use very pure silicon and involve a complicated crystal growth process. Long silicon rods are produced which are cut into slices of .2 to .4 mm thick discs or wafers which are then processed into individual cells that are wired together in the solar panel.

Polycrystalline solar panels: Often called Multi-crystalline, solar panels made with Polycrystalline cells are a little less expensive & slightly less efficient than Monocrystalline cells because the cells are not grown in single crystals but in a large block of many crystals. This is what gives them that striking shattered glass appearance. Like Monocrystalline cells, they are also then sliced into wafers to produce the individual cells that make up the solar panel.

Amorphous solar panels: These are not really crystals, but a thin layer of silicon deposited on a base material such as metal or glass to create the solar panel. These Amorphous solar panels are much cheaper, but their energy efficiency is also much less so more square footage is required to produce the same amount of power as the Monocrystalline or Polycrystalline type of solar panel. Amorphous solar panels can even be made into long sheets of roofing material to cover large areas of a south facing roof surface.

Are you considering installing solar panels for your home?

Solar panels can be a great investment that not only saves you money and increases the value of your property, but also helps the environment while it’s helping your wallet and bank account.

You may probably wondering, commercially made Solar Panels are very expensive. Alternatively, you can build your own solar panel, if you can do some handyman work. Homemade solar panels are a lot cheaper comparing to their commercially made counterparts. Making solar panels really isn’t as complicated as you might think. To build a solar panel you will need some basic materials and a budget of about 0-0 per solar panel that you want to build.

Click Here For Free Guide to Making Solar Panels

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Numerous Advantages of Solar Panels

The cost of power has been growing incessantly and a great deal of people have already begun searching for option power sources. It would be tiring to become dependent on our local utility companies all the time. Occasionally our ever so trusted local utility companies are no so trustworthy at all since unanticipated power outrages have been much more typical nowadays. Alongside with that, there come the year round rate hikes that inspired many customers to consider solar energy or solar panels as an choice. In reply, a lot of manufacturers have already released powerful solar panel systems for both residential and commercial use. But how do these solar panels truly work? How can we Make a Solar Panels at Home? Would they price a great deal? The write-up is all about exploring the fantastic benefits of solar panels.

Solar panels take up energy from the sun. They can stock up this energy within silicon chambers and create an adequate quantity of electrical power to power a home or business. Electrons within the silicon paneling are stirred by contact to the solar during the day. Once stimulated, they extricate themselves from the silicon and are transformed into electricity. There are a lot of different types of solar panels available in the marketplace these days. Portable solar panels have also become very well-liked during the recent years with campers, hikers, and anybody who needs energy away from their homes. These days, an ever-increasing figure of individuals use their cell phones and laptops for both personal and business use.

Packed in solar panel units can be used to energy these tools. In the same way, campers can use these panels to stock up energy all the way via the day, particular that they will have a steadfast energy source during the evenings. Installing these solar panels necessitates a major upfront deal. The price of these solar panels will differ depending upon the size of the paneling program required and the type of panels utilized. It is a extremely good investment though because a full-bodied solar panel program will persist to transport power from the sun at a price that remains practically stable. Having a solar panel system at home effectively reduces your monthly electricity bill and your carbon foot print at the same time. These solar panel systems are also extremely cost-efficient if you choose to buy the DIY ones than buying the pre-assembled solar panels. You also have complete control over the capacity of your own solar energy system. Solar panel kits are an additional nicely-liked alternative. In most cases, these kits hold the resources important to bring together a solar panel, leaving the assembly and setting up to the user. This is an eye-catching option for many consumers simply because it is typically much less expensive than paying for pre-created panels and their installation. Perhaps the most interesting choice, although, is to construct your personal solar panel. This in effect entails finding and purchasing the supplies that you would find in a solar panel kit, and then assembling them your self. There is bounty of good high quality solar panel plans accessible on-line.

For much more info about DIY solar panel methods and on how to Make Solar Panels at Home , you may log onto: http://yourownsolarpanel.org/.

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Efficient Renewable Energy Resource-Solar Power

Article by solar power, renewable energy, wind turbine, solar panels, fuel cell, solar cells, solar heating, solar lighting, wind farms, fuel cells

In this modern era with global warming and green house gases on the rise, it is actually required that one takes note of the importance of renewable energy resources to minimise carbon emissions and further harmful effects upon the environment. What could be a better way to do this than to start with your own home? Energy is expensive to acquire yet easy to waste, and using it for electricity and fuel takes its toll on the planet. Today, the greatest sources of energy have been fossil fuels, of which the three most commonly used are coal, petroleum and natural gas. Unfortunately, the combustion of fossil fuels releases pollution into the atmosphere and fossil fuels are non-renewable their availability will decline.Solar power is now becoming ever more popular, and it is great fact is to see that so many people start to flock to getting this great alternative energy resource in the home. You might choose solar energy or wind energy as your most optioned renewable energy, but you could use them in combination to maximize your energy production and minimize your investment. Solar equipment is still hard to find, althought the work is easier than a decade ago. Now you will find that there are solar kits that you can buy with all you need, and the good news is that there are a few options out there. Also geo thermal power is the biggest clean and renewable energy resource on earth. It does not produce pollution particles because no fuel is burned and no harmful chemicals are released into the environment. The energy stored as geo thermal energy in the earth is so large that humans can not possibly use it up – not even in millions of years. Geothermal energy is the power which can be establised by the harnessment of the heat beneath the Earth’s surface. Deep wells are usually used to pipe steam and hot water from deep within the Earth, up to the surface.Solar power is the conversion of sunlight into electricity. Sunlight can be converted directly into electricity using photovoltaics, or indirectly with concentrating solar power, which generally focuses the sun’s energy to boil H2O which is then used to provide power, and technologies such as the sterling engine dishes which use a sterling cycle engine to power a generator. Geothermal heat pump technology mainly focus on the Earth’s natural thermal energy, a renewable resource, to heat or cool a home or commercial building. Geothermal heating and cooling uses the relatively constant temperature of the earth to heat and cool homes and businesses with 40% to 70% less energy than basic conventional systems. While conventional furnaces and boilers completely burns a fuel to produce heat, geothermal heat pumps use electricity to simply rotate heat from the earth into buildings, allowing much higher efficiencies.

Solar power helps us to minimise cost by decreasing our consumption of electricity that we usually get from fossil fuel powered power plants. And these fossil fueled power plants are destroying our environment with the pollutants that they emit. Solar power does not produce any harmful toxins that would affect our health and the environment. Both solar and geo thermal heat offer environmentally friendly options and their disadvantages far out way their advantages. If you look at both systems though, solar offers distinct advantages. If you are really looking to upgrade your heating system and being earth-friendly is the basic necessary to you, then you should be considering geo thermal as an best alternative. With solar power you will not required any electricity from an outside source, so you can install it in any geographical location.

About the Author

Now, take your time to evaluate solar power . Combine these technologies to get you with all the electricity you need at a lower prises than either technology alone. Overall, geo thermal is definitely a part of the solution to fossil fuels. Before you choose any solar wind power, minimizing your energy consumption is your single biggest opportunity for savings.

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Solar Homes Can Save You Money

Article by Johnny Solar

Solar homes, solar businesses, solar cars, solar factories, etc, this is the future, this is where our country needs to head, it widely known and well excepted that solar energy is clean, efficient and very cost effective. We just need to step up the implementation of making our every day life dependent on solar power and not fossil fuels, we have solar panels, electric cars, companies, factories but we still need to do more, we need to increase the number of these facilities and modes of travel, where this is the majority and not the minority.

What the smart ones are doing

Property owners are taking advantage of generous tax credits by adding energy efficient components to their homes and nearby structures. Some homeowners add solar arrays to their roofs, while others add them to their garages. It doesn’t matter if the building is newly constructed homes or decades old because skilled installers can retrofit solar panels and arrays to accommodate any home with southern exposure. Here are a few examples of how the arrays might look on your home.

What about two story homes?

The Northern California Solar Energy Association, in its glossary, defines natural convection as “A method of heat transfer where a fluid (liquid, gas or molten metal) picks up heat from one object and carries it to another by currents that result from the rising of lighter, warm fluid and the sinking of heavier, cool fluid. The two objects exchanging energy don’t have to physically touch. Convection is the source of the ‘wind chill factor’ and the ‘cooling breeze’ we experience outdoors and the ‘draft’ we feel often feel while indoors.” In a two-story passive solar house with open spaces, warm air will rise to the top. The house can be designed to take advantage of this form of natural convection in order to cool the house using passive methods.

Frederick Bernard, the owner of Acorn Builders, a custom home designer, builder, and remodeler, says, “In a lot of these types of homes, you see what’s called a heat chimney. It’s like a cupola with vents in it. It can be made with operable windows so that you can open them at night and the heat will leave the house and draw in the cooler outdoor air. That’s a passive way to cool a house.”

The green-rated.org website, a project of Portland’s Office of Sustainable Development, says, “When warm air rises and leaks out at the top of a building, cooler air is drawn in at the bottom. Openings and spaces, such as atriums, can be designed to encourage this type of flow. A heat chimney is a device that uses the sun to heat air to create convection. An example of such a device is a cupola on top of a house.”

The Office of Sustainable Development cites the People’s Food Co-op in Portland as an example of a building that successfully uses a heat chimney. The Co-op “installed a chimney stack to help cool their building using natural ventilation. The stack was installed as one component of an well-integrated heating and cooling system that eliminated the need for mechanical cooling.” Another Portland example is Ode to Roses, where the designer constructed the building “to take advantage of heat rising and consequently avoided the need to mechanically cool the building. The owner strategically installed a multi-purpose clerestory (or monitor) on the second floor that drastically increases daylight penetration and serves as a hot air outlet when perimeter outlets are opened.”

You can also use active methods, such as traditional air-conditioning, to help equalize the temperature differences between the first and second stories of a two-story passive solar house. Bernard says, “It’s all in the design of the system. You can design your two-story house with an air-conditioning system so that it distributes more cool air to the upper floors or draws the heat from the top floors and cools it, then distributes it back to the lower floors or draws heat from your upper floors and sends it back into your lower floors so that your upper floors aren’t hotter than your lower floors. These are ways to make sure your top floors aren’t always hotter than your bottom floors. You need to rely on your heating and cooling contractor for that.”

Bernard adds, “Some cities, like Austin, have rebate programs for sealing and insulating your home to hold a more constant temperature and make it more energy efficient.”

About the Author

http://www.SuccessSolarGroup.orgJohnny SolarBorn in Phoenix, AZSolar soluton developer

Energy Corporation AssociationAffilated Green Earth Guide

Interested in solar panels for your home? Got an idea for a solar powered custom project? Need an estimate on installing a solar powered hot water system? Contact the Success Solar Group. Simply click GET STARTED and be on your way. What are you waiting for? Click GET STARTED now!go to http://www.successsolar.org

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