Passive solar heating involves designing a building to maximize sunlight penetration and heat retention without the use of mechanical or electrical devices. This may include strategically placing windows, using thermal mass materials, and incorporating insulation. Active solar heating, on the other hand, utilizes mechanical and electrical devices such as solar collectors and pumps to convert sunlight into heat for a building's heating system. Photovoltaic energy, commonly referred to as solar panels, converts sunlight into electricity through the use of semiconductors. These systems are typically used to generate electricity for a building's electrical needs rather than direct heating.
