Disadvantages of active solar heating

When you look at the figures, it’s not hard to calculate that there are huge advantages to switching to solar power as the method to heat your home or workplace. Active solar heating systems are counted amongst the best of them and are widely available. Depending on where you live and what the climate is there, they can be very efficient and cost effective, often saving as much as 80% on your heating bill.

However, there are some disadvantages to the system, which is why not everyone opts to have one installed in their home or office building.

Often, it comes down to something as simple as the place that you live in but for most of us the main disadvantage is linked to the cost of buying the system and having the system installed.

Firstly, the place where we live can have a huge effect on the efficiency of the system. Active solar heating requires a lot of sunlight, so parts of the world that are subjected to lengthy periods of intense sunlight without much interruption from clouds, are ideal. Even if you live in cold climates, a clear sky for a long time can produce good results. Should it rain or snow for long periods, then the efficiency level drops significantly.

Secondly, the initial cost of buying the system is higher than a passive heating system, since there is also a necessity to purchase items like pumps and fans. These items are used to move the heated liquid or air around the building and while they do increase efficiency by distributing heat more quickly, they also increase costs. However, passive systems require no additional mechanisms and rely instead on convection, conduction or radiation to distribute heat, none of which will cost you a penny more.

Another disadvantage relating to cost is the amount that could have to be spent on installing a radiant heating network under the floor. A significant amount of plumbing would have to be set up in order to allow the heat to reach every necessary area.

Thirdly, active solar heating systems need to be maintained and over time the maintenance costs can grow high. Although most systems come with a 10-year warranty, leaks can happen in the piping system after some years, and items like the thermostat or pump may need to be serviced.

It’s up to you which type of solar heating system you want to choose but, despite the large number of advantages, there are the disadvantages of active solar heating that you should certainly take into account. What is generally agreed though, is that the advantages to that kind of system heavily outweigh those disadvantages.

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Related posts:

1. What is Active Solar Heating?
2. Active Solar Heating For The Home – What you Need to Know