Closed loop
active solar heating systems are assembled, operated and maintained in much the same way hydronic boiler systems are, making them compatible with the skills of our existing hydronic installers.
But also consider that simply incorporating passive solar design strategies (see "Homes Powered by the Sun," Page 52), energy efficiency, conservation and other
active solar heating strategies in the construction of buildings can save up to 95 percent of the energy used in conventional buildings.
Being that Bill's main concern was the energy efficiency of the house, he chose to build with energy conserving materials and incorporate an
active solar heating system.
When we returned from our research trip (see the March/April 2003 issue) we went out to the greenhouse and sure enough, even without the
active solar heating system installed, the building was warmer than our passive solar house.