Some ways one can "go solar" heating - cooling electricity - water pumping
There are many ways of "Going Solar" and just as many definitions for the word "Solar". It can mean any or all of the following, and that's just a "short list"!
solar heating, either direct from the sun and using thermal mass, or by various systems striving to convert that energy into a mechanical collection/ distribution system, e.g. radiant floor heating.
"solar" cooling, using underground homes, underground tunnels, evaporative coolers powered by PV, and some even consider the common heat pump as a "solar" device, as it somehow manages to extract coolth from hot air.
solar water heating, although I hope we're no longer contemplating that mess of expensive water heating equipment on the roof, when it resulted in a tax credit back in the1970's. Hypsters abounded, selling plenty of Rube-Goldberg equipment for much-inflated prices. After all, the "government" was paying for it!
solar electricity, which would include generation from not only the sun via photovoltaics, but from wind and flowing water.
"Passive Solar" is about using the sun and the other elements available from nature to make our homes more comfortable and less expensive to operate and maintain. So I see "Solar" as really about using nature to avoid using some or all of the energy needed to power the machines usually installed in today's "state-of-the-art" buildings, or even avoiding the machines completely.
So then, Solar Heating is about harvesting the sun's warmth and storing it for use on those cool days and cold nights. Also, simply because of the coolness of the earth a few feet below the surface, cooling can be accomplished with little or no machinery and without the associated energy costs.
A true Solar Home is "Passive"; is about thermal mass, insulation, insolation, orientation and lifestyle, and is an environment unto itself. So I try to make sense of that - SolarSense - the objective being a home completely heated (and cooled) by nature!
Solar water heating belongs in almost all homes. It is done with passive systems like my "breadbox" shown here, or active systems using some energy for recirculating water thru a rooftop collector. Although I don't consider them truly solar, Instant heaters replace water heaters for some. My first solar water heater shown will be re-built and re-oriented to perform adequately - too shaded in summer, needs more surface exposure in winter, and should be vertical/tilted.
Solar electricity is a biggie. Actually, there are three ways - the photovoltaics shown, wind generators, and in-stream generators. This small setup (350 watts) got me by for several years; today the roof is full and another rack of PV's totals 1080 watts, and is quite adequate for my needs, including computer and electric refrigerator.
Contrary to widespread belief, alternative electric systems easily include conventional AC power, and the payback is within reason. Such is especially true when combined with some good common sense about one's home energy requirements and about one's tough/honest evaluation of "want vs. need".
For myself, the real payback is being able to live on wonderful remote acreage - more space costs less - enough to easily pay for the solar electric!
Solar water pumping is really a great way to go in remote areas with private water source. It's quiet and cost-effective, particularly with water depths less than 230 feet. I'm pumping mine with one 40-watt PV.
Methane from composting manure is another way that holds interest, but I'm not your information source for this. Try searching the web - you might start with the Wisconsin Energy Bureau page. Fuel cells and hydrogen are rather in their infancy, but hold much promise.
"Solar" is, then, about renewable resources, about
Conservation, which includes
Money! .... and
The environment .... and
Lifestyle.
However, I'm here to simplify the mystery and hype surrounding Solar HOMES which may or may not be "off-the-grid", may or may not operate with self-generated electricity, and may or may not have a methane-grabber in the chicken coop out back!
Have you ever considered that a typical home consumes more for utilities during it's lifetime than the home cost in the first place? That's a cost you can virtually eliminate... surely you can have more fun with that money!
If you're located in a moderate climate with reasonable amounts of sun, there's no reason to pay out... month after month after month... for fuel and electricity for heating and cooling.
Given an appropriate climate, Nature can heat and cool your home, free or virtually free from the capital investment in conventional heating and cooling equipment, and free of those never-ending utility bills.
So "Go Solar" - it's not difficult - done with some SolarSense it should be cost-effective - and it can even be FUN! At least you'll think about your lifestyle, comfort & budget, and how to keep more of your hard-earned $$$ for LIVING!
Updated by RonKZ Tuesday, September 14, 2004
copyright 1998 - 07 July 2006 by Ron Klotz-Zellhoefer, SolarSense Designs, Arizona & New Mexico
Permission is granted and welcomed for personal application only.
