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.