Benefits of Passive Solar Power
Passive solar power is changing the green heating game for companies across multiple industries. Unlike active solar designs that require expensive systems and external energy sources to power pumps, blowers, and equipment, a passive design utilizes already existing energy and leverages features of the building itself to generate heat throughout the structure. Put simply: passive solar heating strategically uses material choices, design elements, and feature placements of basic components found in most living spaces (think windows, floors, and walls) to create a smart, green environment. This is one of the most important benefits of passive solar power.
A passive solar heating configuration can offer a multitude of significant benefits for commercial property owners including:
Efficient and Eco-friendly
Passive heating uses readily available, naturally occurring, and renewable energy sources for a clean, efficient harnessing process that reduces a facility’s overall carbon emissions. Additionally, the use of solar power allows buildings to rely less heavily on other energy options, helping to conserve other resources that may have a negative impact on the environment.
Cost Savings
Passive solar power isn’t just environmentally conscious – it’s also cost conscious as well. Commercial properties harnessing this type of energy often see a significant decrease in their heating and cooling bills.
Lower Noise Pollution
Active solar power systems often include noisy furnaces, pumps, and equipment, which can prove distracting to employees and tenants. Passive designs eliminate the need for loud machinery, lowering noise pollution and possible sound distractions in your building.
The Challenges of Passive Sun Power
Of course, like most heating and cooling options, a passive solar design does present some challenges to property owners. This configuration depends completely on external climate patterns, making it an unreliable choice for various regions of the country. Also, even in predominantly warmer areas, prolonged stretches of cooler or rainy weather can make an impact on the temperatures sustained inside the building. Many commercial property owners utilize backup resources to supplement heating/cooling conditions as needed.
Cost can also pose a concern for property owners considering passive solar energy. While the system produces free heat after installation, the design process can prove more costly than traditional builds. Whether launching new construction or redesigning existing spaces, building owners should carefully consider the expense of proper windows, glass, and other materials before moving forward with the build.
Have questions about the right heating and cooling option for your building? Servi-Tek can help. Contact us to speak with an onsite facility engineer or schedule a free site analysis today.
