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Active Solar is basically the use of a designed & manufactured system to gather the “Solar Energy” emitted by the Sun daily (rather than the “passive” design of the building itself). The two sub-categories of Active Solar are PV (Photo-Voltaic = generating DC voltage) and Thermal (generates heat directly for Domestic Hot Water use). Both of these system types are symbolically recognizable with some type of “panel” mounted assembly, typically on near south-facing roof slopes.

The PV panel type collects the Sun’s photons and convert them to low voltage DC electricity (Direct Current…like in a car battery) during the Sun’s daylight hours (about 5 hours average “Solar Day” for North Georgia; Germany, with its successful Solar programs, has about two hours). This DC energy is converted to AC energy with an electronic device called an Inverter. (Alternating Current = normal household voltage typically from your power utility). For a very general reference, a PV array size of only of 15-16 average panels would generate about 3500 watts in peak sun and on the average, in North Georgia (more in South Georgia) net about 450-500 KWR’s per month (Kilowatt hours). Thus, even this size array would generate about half the average Georgia home’s monthly electricity usage.

Note that with even a total-electric home, but also a very energy-efficient rated structure (like EnergyStar rated, LEED for Homes, etc.), and with a reasonable size floor plan, and without the Passive Solar Gain element, this average PV panel sized array electricity alone could be even a larger percentage of the homes energy use. (Without any extra energy source for winter heating…such as gas).

Now if we couple the Thermal heating panel version to just heat the hot water needs, typically 15-25% of the average homes energy, the solar benefits increase even more. Then, about 3 of the PV panels from the example array can be diverted from heating water back to the homes net electrical usage since the Solar Thermal heats most of the hot water needed. This additional sub-system thermal step is significant because Solar Thermal systems can be about 75-85% efficient with the Sun’s energy while the voltage type panels run from about 13% to the very best approaching 20% (for panels only, not including the electric system losses). Solar thermal systems costs run from about $5000-$8000 depending on family water usage needs. Thus, generating heat directly for hot water is more effective than going to voltage first, and then heating the water with electricity.

A simple cost example using typical system pricing (2010 estimates) will demonstrate some of the financial issues of Solar Energy. (Note: The typically rapid improvement of electronic industry cost dropping profile continues to improve these figures!!). The 3500 watt PV array system installed costs would be around $7.00 per watt for a gross cost of about $24,500. (Some announced large commercial projects are down in the $3.00-$3.50 per watt range). If you fully financed this addition to your home at typical loan rates (like all the other components in your home, countertops, appliances, windows, etc…5%, 30 years) this monthly cost is about $120 per month. (For about $50 per month of electricity). But if you just add the 30% subsidy from the federal tax credit, you cost is now really about $80. If you can also take the 35% Georgia tax credit (capped at only $2.5 Million for entire state, thus now limited availability), the monthly cost is down to about $43. Note that these figures are based upon current electricity rates (about $.11 per KWR). Anyone want to bet that this power rate is not going to increase, likely to accelerate? With the realistic energy cost growth looming, the need for government subsidies during this transition period are obvious.

For more information you can contact Art directly at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit his website .

For more information you can contact Russell directly at  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit his website CreativeSolarUSA.com.