The Definition Of Solar Cooling

The words 'solar cooling' sure sounds like a contradiction, but it's true that the same solar energy that provides heat in winter can also provide cooling in the summer months.

Just like there have been many passive heating systems, passive cooling systems have also been tested out extensively in recent years. How does it work? Coolants can be used to absorb heat and subsequently release it. Even a water tank or water-contained trough on the roof can act as a coolant, absorbing heat from the house and then dissipating it while it automatically evaporates under the sun.

Apart from these simple methods, there are also some passive solar cooling systems which are more sophisticated and a bit more complex. These systems make use of a shaded solar collector, to start with. There would also be a storage device used in the mornings and afternoons as well to collect sunlight to be used after the sun goes down. In order to release the heat that had been collected, the shade is removed in the evening, thus exposing it to the cooler, fresher evening breeze.

A retractable sun blind would act as a perfect shade for your solar collector, or if not that, an extended shade. As this arrangement isn't permanent and will change to just the opposite in the winter season, it is imperative that you keep the shade in a way that will help you to expose the collector easily to the sun as and when required.

If you are using a conventional air conditioner, you can actually save energy by using solar panels to power it. Solar panels are a great idea especially in the summer, because the sun shines the brightest during these hot months, making it the perfect opportunity to create electricity with photovoltaic, or PV cells. This way it is possible to use your air conditioner in the summer free of charge - how about that to save a chunk off your electric bill!

One final way you can use solar cooling is without the use of any form of technology. We would need to go back to earlier Roman civilizations, who used running water as a means to cool their homes. The running water would then evaporate under the sun, alleviating the heat and lowering their homes' interior temperatures. This same arrangement can be put up at your house on the walls and even on rooftops.

Most Americans spend a great deal of money on their electric bills in the summer and winter months due to the expenses of cooling and heating. The usage of solar energy to both heat and cool the house can really help your budget breathe and can be ecological too.


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