Light Heat Energy

Passive Solar Functions

Passive solar functions best in an home that is energy efficient with a well-designed mechanical system. It is part of the energy-efficient whole and should not be considered a stand-alone solution to saving energy. Our custom energy recommendations, which come with blueprint orders, assist you in creating an energy-efficient shell and giving recommendations on how best to obtain a properly designed mechanical system to supplement your passive solar energy.

Passive solar design revolves around two simple facts:

In winter, the sun rises in the southeast, remains low in the southern horizon, and sets in the southwest. Only the south wall of the house receives full sun, and you want to let the direct sun rays into the house.
In summer, the sun rises in the northeast, rises high overhead, and sets in the northwest. The east wall, roof, and west wall receive full sun, and you want to keep the direct sun rays out of the house.

Solar radiant heating

SOLAR HOT WATER STORAGE

There are several ways that the energy from the sun can be used in a home:

To warm the inside of a home
This is passive solar energy and the focus of our Sun Plans. It requires no panels on the roof. Windows on the south side of the house are all that you see.
To heat water
This is usually through collectors on the roof.
To create electricity
This is usually through photovoltaic (PV) panels on the roof.

Our passive solar homes are complementary to active solar, as illustrated by the PV panels on this roof. Solar water heating and electricity generation are not part of our designs, but our homes are 100% compatible with active solar energy systems.

Benefits of Passive Solar Heating

Sunny interiors
The sun brings interiors to life. The patterns of light change throughout the day and the seasons. Sunny interiors are psychologically healthy places to live. They also make the home feel larger.
Reduced electrical lighting needs
Energy savings
Just facing the wall of a house with the most windows to the south will cut annual heating bills by at least 10 to 25%. With an increase in south windows, some extra mass, some extra insulation, and a properly designed heating system, it is easy to meet 30 to 70% of a home's annual heating requirements with sunlight. Truly ambitious passive solar designs can achieve additional savings, but in general, an auxiliary or back-up heating system is needed and often required by building codes.

In the U.S.A. for more information on Solar Homes, hot water systems, retrofit systems, turbines, photovolotics etc. Call Toll Free 1-877-846-5687