Passive vs. Active Solar Energy: What’s the Difference?

As solar technology improves and more and more homeowners turn their sights to harnessing energy from the sun, many questions have arisen. These questions are good because they demonstrate an interest in generating electricity in a clean way, and an increased number of people finding the benefits of solar systems. One question making the rounds…

Solar panels on a home roof.

As solar technology improves and more and more homeowners turn their sights to harnessing energy from the sun, many questions have arisen. These questions are good because they demonstrate an interest in generating electricity in a clean way, and an increased number of people finding the benefits of solar systems.

One question making the rounds as of late pertains to the differences between passive and active solar energy. If you’re new to the solar game, then you might not have been aware of this question. However, since you are on this page, your interest (like many others in the country) is growing. That means it’s worth knowing the differences between active and passive solar energy systems.

What is the Difference Between Active and Passive Solar Energy?

Converting the sun’s energy into electricity is a clean process overall. There are several ways to do so, as the Environmental and Energy Study Institute explains. Active solar systems and passive solar systems are the two main forms of solar systems. While they each have their benefits, one might be more suited to your needs than the other.

Passive Solar Systems

On a basic level, passive solar systems convert the sun’s light directly into electricity through solar panels. These solar systems are cost-effective and can be installed simply by adding solar panels to the roof of your home or office. 

Passive solar systems have become pretty standard at this point, so installations can easily be tailored to your energy needs. They do not require ongoing maintenance (aside from general building maintenance). They’re very reliable as well, since they don’t have many components or control systems.

For the everyday person looking to make the transition to solar energy, passive solar systems have become a popular choice. However, passive solar solutions still come along with certain considerations. For example, they rely on direct sunlight. If you happen to be in a shady area, then some landscaping might have to take place to create direct access to sunlight.

Active Solar Systems

The major difference between active and passive solar energy is that while passive systems occupy space on the exterior of your home, active solar systems occupy both exterior and interior space.

Active solar systems do not convert energy directly into electricity, but use a more involved process. Active solar systems collect sunlight in the same way as passive systems, but then they convert it to heat in the form of water or other liquid, or air. 

These additional mechanisms and steps come with additional cost. And unlike passive solar systems, active solar systems require external power sources to operate the various components. Examples include heat exchangers for hot water or ventilation systems for solar air heaters.

However, these systems also tend to be more efficient than passive solar systems. Even if your structure is older and the insulation (for example) is not as sound as it could be, an active solar system will still go a long way in bringing down utility and energy costs

Solar inspector checking panels on a home roof.

Passive vs Active Solar Energy: Which is Right for You?

These are merely the baseline differences when it comes to choosing between passive and active solar energy. And while active solar systems tend to be more effective than passive solar systems, cost consideration is a big factor in many people’s minds. 

Additionally, there are variables, such as location, that should play a role in your decision as well. If you live in a warm climate with plenty of sunshine, then you have different factors to consider than someone who lives in a place where insulation, windows, and lack of sunlight tend to have more weight.  

The best way to know whether passive vs. active solar energy is the right choice for you is to talk to a professional and see what makes the most sense. Solar technologies have come a long way, and they are not one-size-fits-all. To maximize energy, solar systems are tailored to their structure and to the needs of the building. 

We can help walk you through what makes the most sense for your situation. We’ll provide a free quote, too, so you know where you stand when it comes to solar energy systems. 

Make the move to solar energy in a way that makes sense for you, your home, and your budget. The environment will thank you either way.

Call today and get a free quote: 1-800-674-9750