Home Ownership EMR suggests that a home built to meet Level One of its Passive Solar Standard can produce 33 per cent of its total heating needs. The lower running costs, lack of maintenance and better equipment accessibility make passive solar techniques more appealing than active collection systems. However, retrofitting for passive solar collection can be as expensive as incorporating an active system from the beginning.

Only active solar equipment costs for such things as collectors and absorbers are eligible for government grants. The system must also provide at least a third of your home or hot water heating requirements to qualify for a grant.

If you're intent on designing a home with a passive solar system, we strongly suggest talking to experts in the field. Costs vary substantially depending on the equipment and the area to be heated.

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December 4, 2008