How To Use Solar Energy: Passive Solar Ways to Light Your Home

Passive Solar Ways to Light Your Home

When you think of solar lighting, do you automatically think of using solar panels to power your light bulbs? Most people do. But that's not the only way to use the sun's power to help light your home. Here are four more ways you can use solar lighting around the house.

Skylights are the most common passive lighting sources found in homes. They are a great source of natural light, especially for rooms that have small or no windows. Skylights can sometimes deliver more natural light to a room than windows, because their rooftop location exposes them to the sun throughout the day.

Solar light tubes are a really effective way to light dark hallways, closets, interior bathrooms and garages that have no windows of their own. Although this technology seems modern, it was actually used by the ancient Egyptians, so it has a long and proven history. Solar light tubes are usually smaller than skylights, sometimes only 9 to 12 inches in diameter. They are installed in the roof, and use reflective material in the tube to enhance the amount of light they deliver. The reflective material allows them to be effective even on cloudy days, since they don't require direct or bright sunlight to be useful. It is easiest to plan for them and build them into new construction. But they can be added to most existing roofs without too much difficulty.

Solar exterior lighting is extremely practical. It is powered by small solar cells that collect sunlight during the day, then store it for use at night. The solar cell can be mounted in a sunny place and wired to the lighting fixture it its location doesn’t receive enough direct sunlight during the day to power it.

Almost any type of exterior lighting is available in a solar-powered version. Porch lights, patio lights, spot lights and security lights that include motion detectors can all be powered by solar cells. This is an especially good feature for security lighting because it will work even during electrical blackouts or system-wide power outages.

Solar landscaping lights are both practical and attractive. They come is a variety of styles, sizes and uses. Spotlights can be used to light trees, garden sculpture or fountains. Low level lighting can be used to outline driveways and garden borders. Taller lighting fixtures will illuminate outdoor living areas like patios or gazebos. Mid-level lighting with non-glare screens are a good choice for lighting sidewalks or footpaths. Party lights can be used for special occasions or to create an atmosphere for outdoor living areas.

Passive solar lighting is one of the easiest ways to use solar energy. You can start with some inexpensive garden lights. When you buy your next house, or your next new roof, you can plan for the bigger-budget skylights.