Solar heaters and coolers can be used to offset the tremendous amount of energy that is used to heat and cool both residential and commercial buildings. It has been stated that heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) in the U.S., accounts for 30% of the power used in commercial buildings and nearly 50% of the total energy that is used in homes and apartments. We can take an active part in reducing our reliance on non-renewable energy sources by using solar devices.
Solar technologies are generally described as either passive or active, according to how the power is captured and converted. Collecting the energy from the sun, storing that heat and then converting it into usable energy has been man's dream for centuries. Now in modern days, we store the heat in what is called thermal mass materials. These can be materials as common as stone, cement and water or as exotic as photovoltaic arrays. The simple systems have been used since Roman times and are still common in the Middle East.
Solar heaters with air solar collectors are gaining popularity with the U.S. and Canada since the majority of the buildings in these countries already have an existing ducting system for air conditioning.
