Nova Scotia Renewables Public Education in Solar Energy

Solar energy can be either passive or active. Passive solar is absorbed directly from the sun.

Active solar energy involves capturing the sun's energy through the use of solar thermal panels or PV (photovoltaic) cells, then converting the energy to some type of storage medium for use in home heating or hot water or, alternatively, to electricity.

Passive Solar

Most buildings obtain some free heat from the sun. Capturing the sun's energy through south-facing windows can provide 30 to 60% of annual heating requirements.

The key components for superior solar performance are careful design, energy-efficient windows, and an energy-efficient building.

Passive solar construction is cost-effective at today's energy prices, but it requires the thoughtful integration of building design with the natural features and topography of the building lot.

Hundreds of passive solar houses have been built over the past few decades in Nova Scotia.

Active Solar

Solar thermal systems are usually best suited to lower-temperature applications, such as domestic hot water, pool heating or in-floor radiant distribution systems.

The largest solar panel manufacturer in Canada, Thermo Dynamics Ltd., is located in the Burnside Industrial Park in Dartmouth.

Photovoltaic Cells

Photovoltaic cells convert the sun's energy into electrical energy.

A worldwide research effort continues to improve the performance and cost-effectiveness of photovoltaic systems, but costs continue to be much higher than conventional sources of electricity.

Photovoltaic systems have proven to be a dependable, easy-to-maintain source of electricity for off-grid applications.

Typical uses include personal electronic devices, navigational aids, outdoor lighting, marine applications, water pumping, and camp or cottage use.

Worldwide installed capacity is growing quickly as a result of utility and government incentive programs in the United States, especially in hot climates where the peak output of a solar panel coincides with system peaks caused by air conditioning loads.

For further information, visit CanSIA -The Canadian Solar Industries Association.