This section is a brief review of solar energy systems and concepts.

Solar systems are simple in their design and operation. The energy of the sun strikes the surface of the "Collector" and gives off energy in the form of heat, or in the case of solar electric collectors, electricity.

The first concept to understand is the difference between solar thermal (air and water heating systems) and solar electic systems.

Solar heating systems consists of collectors based on using air or water to transfer the heat produced from the sun.

Solar warm air collectors are the simplest to install. Solar warm air collectors are connected together with flexible ductwork and use a blower to move the air from the collectors into the heated space. The blower is turned on by a switch or controller.

Solar hot water collectors can be more complex to install. Solar hot water collectors are connected together with copper piping and use a pump to move the water from the collectors into a storage tank. The pump is turned on by a controller.

Solar electric collectors are the most expensive to install and are rarely seen in the Midwest except in special circumstances, such as remote lighting, remote water pumping, or homes independent from the grid. Solar electric collectors are connected together with wires and use a controller to regulate the battery charging or an inverter to make AC (household) electricity.

All the solar systems listed above are called active solar systems. They are called active solar systems because they require assistance to move the energy generated from the collectors. For example an solar water system requires the use of a pump to move the heat to the tank.

Passive solar uses the heat generated from the sun to warm up interior surfaces. There is no use of fans or blowers to move the heat. The passive solar gains during the day are absorbed for release at night as radient heat. Care must be taken in the design of passive solar structures to maintain proper orientation, shading and insulative values. Passive building construction and active solar systems are an excellent complement to each other.

New home construction presents synergistic opportunities for solar, energy conservation and even energy independence (no utility connections). These measures can be added to the structure of the home, the cost included in the mortgage, and provide a positive cash flow in savings.

Important considerations for energy efficient new home construction;
+ Attitude and knowledge - the general contractor or yourself, acting as the general, need to have an understanding of the principles of solar, site orientation, construction techniques, insulation, window placement, and similar attributes.
+ Friendly banker - the mortgage lender will want to be assured that what you are building will have resale value as a conventional house.
+ Research and get help - there are lots of resources available in government, industry and education, use their knowledge and experience to design and build proven technologies.
+ Plan ahead - construction schedules are prone to slip, but good planning for contingencies and buying when prices are low will save time and money.
+ Think wholistic - passive and active solar, energy conservation, alternative fuels as heat sources, and radiant floor all flow together. One of the favored designs is a solar hot water system with fireplace backup into a large hot water storage tank. The heat in the tank is used to warm the radiant floor or the baseboard hot water. The heating system is complemented with a greenhouse or solar electric application.
++ Total energy independence - the addition of a 10-15% premium to the house will provide sufficient capital to stay off grid. A zero utility bill is achievable today with little lifestyle changes.

Each general type of solar system is further detailed in the web pages for air, water or electric systems. More definitions and concepts are described in the Glossary.