Energy Conservation Tips for the Tropics

The tropics consist of an area close to the Equator, including large parts of Africa, Central and South America, as well as south-east Asia and northern Oceania. Tropical climate is characterized by hot and constant temperatures. Energy conservative residents often use solar energy for heating water, build energy efficient houses and keep an area of green shading surrounding the house as some energy conservation tips for living in the tropics.

Use Solar Energy to Heat Water

• Storage tanks and solar collectors are the components of solar water heating systems. Solar storage tanks are connected to and from the collector panel by pipes. In the tank, denser cold water stays in the bottom while the less dense hot water that comes from the collector panel stays on the top. Collector panels are simple tubes with higher solar heat absorption, where water circulates. It is even possible to make a solar panel using recycled plastic bottles, says Brazilian inventor Jose Alano in an article published by The Ecologist website.

Build a House With Passive Solar Design

• A house has a passive solar design when its windows, walls and floors are designed to collect and distribute solar energy and heat during the colder and night periods, and to disperse it during hot days. It is called "passive," because it does not use mechanical and electrical devices, such as fans or electrical controls to move the heat around the house, reports the U.S. Department of Energy. Elements of passive solar design include large glass windows, exterior roof overhangs, slat-type window blinds and white or clear indoor decoration.

Consider Landscape Shading

• In hot and sunny climates, planting trees and shrubs around the house can reduce the use of fans and air conditioning systems, thus saving energy. Having trees around the house can lower the surrounding air temperatures 9 degrees in Fahrenheit. It also works as shield, preventing heat radiated from pavement and roads from reaching the house. Plants release water vapor through a process called evapotranspiration, which also help in the maintenance of cool temperatures.