Environmental Definitions: Passive Solar

Conservation is a cause shared throughout the world – land must be protected; water consumption must reduced; and once abundant resources must now be offered sparingly. The assumption that all energies will remain (able to be used when wanted, able to be found in excess) no longer exists. Thoughts instead turn toward the future, where all elements will surely be taken in necessity and nothing more, where there will be no worthy environment. And such thoughts have forced new methods to arise, hoping to find sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels and their emissions.

One such method is Passive Solar Technologies.

As its name implies, Passive Solar Technologies is the utilization of sunlight without the aid of extra machinery. Simply explained: this form of sustainable energy allows panels to gather rays and then filter them into the connected network of heat sources – such as boilers, lighting and more. These heat sources do not use fans, cooling pumps or similar components to circulate themselves. They are instead devoted purely to the sun.

And this is what marks them truly sustainable (unlike their more technology reliant counters in Active Solar Technologies). There is no demand for external energies and their potential problems, such as: carbon releases, higher costs and waste creating materials. Everything is instead supplied by the sun and nothing more.

For some, however, this environmental triumph may prove to be a challenge. Unlike Active Solar Technologies, which can fuel the entire home, Passive is more limiting. Its processes tend to be reserved for only the essential tasks and excessive energy is not possible. It also requires green building techniques to ensure that all panels are placed in the most ideal locations. This can be problematic for those without an abundance of choices for their home.

Passive Technologies still remain a viable option, though, and should be considered. Their impact on the earth is meager and their abilities are commendable.