Space Heating with Solar Energy
If
you want to heat your home or small business with solar energy, you will
need to decide whether you want an "active" or a
"passive" solar heating system, or, a combination of both.
Passive systems don't use mechanical devices, such as fans, blowers, or pumps, to distribute solar heat from a collector. Instead, they take advantage of natural heat flow physics to distribute warmth. An example of a passive system for space heating is a sunspace or solar greenhouse.
Active solar heating systems consist of collectors that collect and absorb solar radiation and electric fans or pumps to transfer and distribute the solar heat in a fluid (liquid or air) from the collectors. They generally have an energy storage system to provide heat when the sun is not shining.
Passive systems are typically less costly, less complex, and more reliable than active systems, and generally represent the preferred approach in new construction. Active systems can be the only solar option in retrofits, and, being on the roof, may have less problems with shading from nearby buildings.