So I’m reading this article on Wikipedia about Solar Energy. I have to do this project about biofuels, and solar energy is one of them. It says:
Solar technologies are broadly characterized as either passive or active depending on the way they capture, convert and distribute sunlight. Active solar techniques use photovoltaic panels, pumps, and fans to convert sunlight into useful outputs. Passive solar techniques include selecting materials with favorable thermal properties, designing spaces that naturally circulate air, and referencing the position of a building to the Sun. Active solar technologies increase the supply of energy and are considered supply side technologies, while passive solar technologies reduce the need for alternate resources and are generally considered demand side technologies.
I don’t understand what they mean. Do active thinger-majiggers move toward the sun, and passive ones just sit there and absorb the sunlight?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_energy#Energy_from_the_Sun
Originally posted 2009-06-27 17:54:10.
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I think the difference between active and passive technologies is this:
Active technologies convert solar energy into useful energy like electricity or heat energy (or hot water) that can be used to heat or light a building etc. WHEREAS passive technologies try to minimise the need for energy to heat, light or cool a building by using clever design in the building itself.
Examples of passive technologies would be window shades to keep rooms cool, or plenty of South-facing windows to keep rooms warm in winter.