The Cheaper Way to Go Green: Passive Solar Power

Even though installing solar panels in your home is what you would like to do to become more environmentally friendly, the cost of the solar panels are very high. An alternative to the photovoltaic cells and mechanical system of active solar power, is just the opposite, passive solar power.

Passive solar power still uses the sun to heat your home, just in different ways. First there is direct gain: which takes in light through your windows. Then there is indirect gain, which stores thermal energy within the walls. Last, there is isolated gain, which can be used through a sun room or solarium.

Ways to increase your home's passive solar energy consumption is to open blinds, landscape changes (cutting down trees to allow for more direct sunlight) and insulate your walls and windows to keep the heat that you gain in.

While it might not be as directly effective, passive solar power is a green and inexpensive way to heat your home and it can be done in both the winter and the summer. During the day, keep your shades open and use extra insulation techniques to hold it all in.

Here is a video on how you can use passive solar power in your home.