Comparative Economics of Passive and Active Systems

摘要

As the interest in solar energy applications for residential space heating grows, it becomes imperative to evaluate the economic performance of alternative designs. One passive design is concentrated on--the thermal mass storage wall. The economic performance of this design is examined and subsequently contrasted with one active design--the air collector/rock storage system. Architectural design criteria, solar performance characteristics, and the incremental solar cost of each design is briefly reviewed. Projections of conventional energy prices are discussed, along with the optimal sizing/feasibility criterion employed in the economic performance analysis. In addition, the effects of two incentive proposals--income tax credits and low interest loans--upon each design are examined. Results are reported on a state-by-state basis for the U.S., with major conclusions summarized for each design. It is generally the case that incentives greatly enhance the economics of both system designs, although the contrast is greater for the passive design. Also, against the less expensive conventional fuels (natural gas and heating oil) the passive design was shown to offer a more cost effective alternative than the active system for most states. (ERA citation 04:000456)