How Can Solar Energy Be Used?

How Can Solar Energy Be Used?

Knowing how we want to ue the energy will help determine the most effective manner of capturing the sun.

The first step in a solar retrofit is to list how energy is used in the home so that the most appropriate applications can be selected. The next step is to decide how much sun is available. The amount of solar energy available is dependent on time of year and location. In the winter the days are shorter and the sun is lower on the horizon, so the optimum collecting angle may vary. As one moves north the changes in the sun's position are more pronounced, so the position of solar energy collectors will differ based on latitude and time of year for which the system is optimized.

Southeast to southwest is the prime solar orientation. Determining how much sun is available can be done by looking at what obstructions there are on the south side of the house. Trees, other buildings or natural features that cast shadows must be evaluated to figure out if or when they will cause shading at various times of the year. Local geographical conditions that affect solar availability must also be taken into account. Rural or urban location will also have some bearing on appropriate solar options to harness.