Facts about Solar Energy for Homes

Maybe you are wondering how many people are now using solar energy. The thing there is that solar products and houses benefit a lot on long term. Because of our awareness with the global warming and sustainable development, we must also learn how to have a passive solar energy at home.
As long as the sun shines, there are hopes about inventing different products out of solar energy and one thing good about it is that it is all for free.
Passive solar energy for homes makes the best use of the sun, the wind, the construction material and the site to ensure a house is as comfortable as possible inside all year round. 

These basic fundamentals can help you and can even help you save more:

• Layout and Positioning

Position your living areas to the south side of the house, which receives most of the sun throughout the day (north if you live in the southern hemisphere).

·         Proofing

Make sure your walls, roof and floors are insulated and fill any gaps where draughts might come through. Check if there is a need to repair or rebuild the positions of all your insulations in and outside of your house. It will cost more if you ignore just a tiny opening or gaps in your walls, roof and floors.

·         Ventilation

Position doors and windows opposite each other to allow for a cooling breeze to flow inside the house. This will help you save from turning in air-condition or electric fan for longer hours.

·         Windows

Windows on the south side of the house should be bigger to allow more sun to penetrate the house during the day and windows on the north side smaller to prevent heat lost at night.

·         Landscaping

Position trees and plants to direct a cooling breeze into your house, whiles shading it during summer. Plant more trees and put a little shading portion in your backyard to allow cool air.

·         Shading

Make sure external shading structures are wide enough to block out the sun in summer, while still allowing the low winter sun to enter.

·         Thermal mass

Polished concrete, tile or slate floors and brick walls will absorb the heat throughout the day and release it slowly at night, reducing the need to run expensive heaters. Carpet acts as an insulator and will not retain the heat. 

These simple steps will give a big impact on saving a lot from using solar energy at home. This will also allow you to enjoy nature at its best at the same time, saving more money, promoting sustainable energy and contributing to our awareness on global warming issues.