Passive Solar for Fun and Savings

We hear a lot about solar energy every time energy costs rise again, but we hear precious little about how to use it without it costing us an arm and a leg! If we want to try it, solar panels and other equipment can take years and years to pay for themselves - beyond the reach of many of us.

However, there are ways to use passive solar methods to save money on an ongoing basis. The cost, if any at all, is very small compared to the systems we're used to seeing and so the pay back is fast.

Probably the most familiar are the solar ovens. There are many plans for the do-it-yourselves, but you can buy them ready made for thirty some odd dollars to over three hundred dollars. Depending on which one you choose and how often you'll use it, a solar oven can pay back its cost in one year.

Solar ovens can fun and inexpensive to make yourself. There are many plans (Google "solar oven plans") from simple to elaborate. Try a simple one to see how it works, then you might want to go into a more sophisticated version. Even if you buy a premade solar oven, they're less expensive than a traditional gas or electric oven, especially after you count the cost of operating one.

Other ways to use the sun passively:

Sun tea is an old favorite when it comes to using solar passively. A question of safety has come up recently, so if you're concerned, take some simple precautions and you can still enjoy sun tea and the convenience of free solar energy.

First, make sure the container has been thoroughly cleaned. Any residue can harbor bacteria, many types of which will gladly grow in your sun tea. About four hours is the maximum you need to leave sun tea out, but bring it in as soon as it's ready and refrigerate it.

One thing that is seldom mentioned is that sunshine kills many pathogens, so sun tea may actually safer than other methods when it comes to some bacteria.

To warm up food even in the winter, put it in a dark colored container with a clear glass cover and set it on the windowsill or in a safe place outside where the sun will reach it. Don't forget about it! A half hour in a sunny location will warm the food without danger of spoilage. You can also thaw frozen cooked food this way. It may take longer than a half hour, depending on size and density of the food. Do not thaw raw meat this way.

Less impressive, maybe, but effective just the same:

Open the window coverings during cold weather only when the sun is shining in.

Use dark covers for furniture and it will absorb the sun's heat better.

Try passive solar heating on a small scale: Put containers of water in the sun to absorb the heat, then, when the sun disappears, bring the containers to the living area so they will radiate that heat.

Warm water for cleaning or personal use. A glass jug set in the sunshine will warm up even on the coldest days as long as it's in the direct sunshine.

Solar power is real power, and it's free to everyone. Why not take advantage of it? It could make a difference in how big those utility bills are!