Comments on: SolarDucts: Heating Air and Generating Power

By: furnace filters

furnace filters — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 19:06:56 +0000

I love the idea of using solar panels to heat the air. We have a small one installed on our roof. We’ve also save quite a lot of money by just keeping our furnace filters and air conditioning filters changed.

By: Matt the Engineer

Matt the Engineer — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 23:41:14 +0000

[gmoke] For any appriciable effect you need both a temperature difference and a difference in height. You definately have that for the solar walls, but the SolarDuct is located on the roof.

I think the intent is to use it for heating. But again, this would only be useful for the few hours during the year in most climates when it’s cold out yet sunny.

By: Green Lifestyle

Green Lifestyle — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:25:22 +0000

It’s my first time on your blog and I will be returning and subscribing!

By: gmoke

gmoke — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 21:52:42 +0000

Hot air can drive ventilation and speed air flow in hot summer months just as it can heat a room during winter. This is something that has been known at least since Edward Sylvester Morse incorporated the idea into his solar air ventilation system circa 1888.

SolarWall is a system that heats outside air before it enters a building and is very efficient from the performance standards and presentations I’ve seen. They’ve been around for a couple of decades and have a good reputation in the business.

By: Matt the Engineer

Matt the Engineer — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 21:36:16 +0000

I’m curious about how this is used. Buildings generally need cooling, not heating, when the sun is out.