PV Gap

Terrence Said:

Questions about Active Solar Power?

We Answered:

Active solar technologies are employed to convert solar energy into usable light, heat, cause air-movement for ventilation or cooling, or store heat for future use. Active solar uses electrical or mechanical equipment, such as pumps and fans, to increase the usable heat in a system.


Solar energy collection and utilization systems that do not use external energy, like a solar chimney, are classified as passive solar technologies. Active solar-thermal systems, via small pumps or fans, can have significantly higher solar savings fractions than passive solar technologies due to greatly enhanced heat transfer and transport.


Many of the most advanced technologies to actively use solar energy are photovoltaics, or solar energy systems. These are often remunerated through feed in tariffs, which are the most effective means of promoting solar energy.