The sun’s energy is our planet’s most plentiful renewable energy source. As such, one of the smartest decisions you can make in regards to your building’s design is to harness as much solar power as possible.
By utilizing solar energy, you can not only create a more environmentally-friendly building, but you will also benefit from lower energy costs and minimize your maintenance needs — just to name a few. Let’s take a look at some popular solar options that can easily be integrated in your design plans.
Plan your structure to receive the most passive solar lighting: Install skylights in rooms that are in the center of the building; East facing windows will illuminate a room from sunrise until noon, while west facing windows illuminate a room late in the evening. Solar Innovations, Inc. can provide you with additional tips for designing a building with optimal passive solar lighting.
A building can also be heated using passive solar techniques. Solar chimneys harness the sun’s natural heating abilities and can enhance building’s ventilation as well. The sun’s heat causes the air in the chimney to rise, allowing cooler air to be pulled into the chimney for heating. This process is what creates the ventilation. Solar chimneys work best when placed in an area that receives ample sunlight in the afternoon. Solar Innovations, Inc. can give you additional information regarding the benefits of solar chimneys, and we can also design and install a solar chimney for your home or business.
Photovoltaic (PV) energy systems are one of the most common forms of solar energy. These are the solar panels you often see atop buildings that convert the sun’s light into energy.
Designing an environmentally-friendly building or making the switch to solar is fairly simple when you have the right tools and experts. Solar Innovations, Inc. can assist you with designing and installing the best energy-efficient options for your building. If you have any additional questions or concerns regarding windows, LowE and dynamic glazes, and other solar options, please visit our Alternative Energy Products page or directly contact a Solar Innovations, Inc. Sales Representative.
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