We’ve covered previously solar panels that can be installed in glass windows, Transparent Photovoltaic Glass Window by Rainbow Solar Inc. (RSI).
Now it comes from Sony, the ‘Flower Power’ solar windows, a glass window that not only can produce electrical energy and are easy to install but can also be designed with the colors.
Rainbow Solar Inc. (RSI) has produced a transparent, photovoltaic glass window producing power 80-250 watts. Although this is not the “first solar window,” it seems that the RSI has taken a big step forward.
Executive Summary about Solar Film by Christine Douglas
You feel compelled to use solar energy, but at this time you simply aren’t in the position to install a solar power system in your home for one reason or another. Solar film for windows is a cost-effective, yet efficient way to participate in passive solar heating.
Solar film for windows is a light film that is applied to the windows in your home. It rejects 60% of the sun’s rays coming through your home. The first reason is energy.
Solar film for windows is great for many other reasons. It blocks 99% of UV rays, keeping your furniture and home décor safe from fading. The film also protects against weather damage.
Solar film for windows is widely available. You can purchase frosted solar film, creating the look of frosted glass at a fraction of the cost.
Using Window Film and Shades to Protect Your Home Interior From the Sun
Executive Summary about Solar Film by David Kraft
Home builders are reporting a higher frequency of larger and higher quantities of windows in new homes and home remodels being done. Rays from the sun can cause glare, hot spots, and fading to household items. One way to prevent these things from happening is to add a layer of window film to your windows. Window film can help to improve heating and cooling efficiency and block UV rays that cause fading to furniture, carpet, and other interior possessions. Film is available in tints that are not drastically change the color of the window but will still accomplish the goals of blocking the sun’s harmful rays. The key to window films is to have them properly installed by a specialist to ensure multiple years of functionality.
Solar screen shades are an alternative to window film that can accomplish the same things. They are available in varying levels of opacity and are available in motorized models that completely roll up nearly out of sight to allow homeowners to completely enjoy their large windows when they want to. Solar screen shades are simple, yet attractive ways to protect your homes interior and are available in a variety of colors that will enhance the appeal of any interior, regardless of design preference.
Choosing larger or higher quantities of windows in your home opens you up to more risk for faded interior and decreases in your home’s heating and cooling system efficiency.
Article You May Be Interested In Reading: Solar Lighting
Executive Summary about Solar House by Ernest Jarquio
Environmentalists rejoice! What is this new technology that will help save the earth? Why, solar house plans of course.
What Are Solar House Plans?
Well, the new phase in home planning is the plan for a sun-powered home.
Environmentally-Friendly Materials
The designer begins by drawing out the floor plan, planing to use recycled materials, eco-friendly building supplies and Energy-Star electrical outlets. For instance, the concrete slab flooring stores solar heat during the sunny days, then releases it at night, keeping the house warm.
Insulation
The designer uses only eco-friendly items for these tasks, such as recycled wood and green material for the insulation. After all this is planned, they continue onward to Energy-Star appliances and other electronic devices.
Solar Panels
The other panels installed are the thermal water heaters, which provide hot water constantly for the entire home. This hot water is often more reliable than a traditional hot water heater, supplying plenty of heat for the laundry, kitchen and bath.
How to Plan Your House for the Sun
Executive Summary about Solar House by Naomi Kendell
Every house will gain heat throughout the day as the sun shines through its windows.
And during the night as the temperature drops, this same house will lose heat to the outside through its walls, windows and roof.
1. Orientation.
By facing your house to the south (in the northern hemisphere) you will gain the rays of the winter sun. Afternoon sun comes from the west, so rooms like the dining room and living room can be placed on this orientation. The southwest corner of the house will be the sunniest – winter and afternoon sun.
On the northern side of your house, place service rooms.
2. Window Sizing
Out of all the materials your house is made of, windows lose the most heat. There is a balance here, because windows allow sunlight into your house. However even triple glazed glass allows more heat to escape than a well insulated wall.
The first is where your windows face. If you have most of your windows on the northern side, these windows will not get much sun during winter. They will be losing heat, but not gaining solar energy.
There is an optimal ratio of windows:wall for every climate. For instance in temperate climates, a window to wall ration could be: 30% window area to 70% wall area. The other ratio is in windows and orientation.
3. Materials
For instance, highly insulated walls will keep the heat inside your house. When analyzing your heat loss through your windows, you can gain some leeway through insulation. This air forms and insulating layer, slowing down heat loss.
Another way to use materials in your solar house plan is to take advantage of heat storage. It is radiating heat. The floor is insulated underneath to prevent heat loss. A well designed thermal heat sink will stay warm all night long.
4. Shading
Shading is an important part of the solar house plan. This is important not only for heat gains, but for preventing heat gains. In temperate climates as well, shading can be used to keep summer sun out and let winter sun in.
Using our orientation principle: your house is facing south. During the winter the sun angles low and reaches far into the house. This same shading will allow winter sun into your house.
Your latitude effects the angle of the winter sun. In conclusion – solar house plans are a great way to design houses that are warm and comfortable to live in, and save you money off your heating and air conditioning bill.
Using Orientation, Window Placement, Materials and Shading, you can design a house that responds to its environment and creates its own micro-climate of comfort.
Article You May Be Interested In Reading: Charger Solar
