What is Passive Solar Design?

Passive solar design is the green architectural home design principle of evaluating a location and planning how a new house will be built to maximize the absorption, storage and usage of solar energy. It uses natural and free sunlight to heat and cool living spaces without the use of mechanical or electrical devices.

The suns energy is converted into usable heat, which causes air movement for ventilation, and passively heats and cools living spaces. It can also cause radiant heat to heat floors and other surfaces, and cause water to circulate through plumbing systems. Using these natural responses to solar radiation can create significant savings in heating and cooling costs.

Depending on the climate, building materials can absorb or reflect solar radiation to control temperature. Solar pv designs include the use of windows to collect and distribute solar energy, thermal mass (such as concrete and stone) to store solar heat, and building orientation for sun access and shading to regulate indoor temperatures.

Most passive solar heating occurs through south-facing windows and absorbing that solar heat with thermal mass throughout the building. The thermal mass, which is typically insulated from the exterior, helps maintain a comfortable temperature during the winter, and releases the stored heat to the room during the summer.

The amount of heat absorbed by the thermal mass is related to the amount of solar radiation striking it and how well it is insulated from the outside temperatures. To be most efficient, the thermal mass should be located away from hot surfaces such as stoves and fireplaces.

Solar designers also consider other features of the home to reduce its energy consumption, such as roof slopes, insulation, and landscaping. In some climates, overhangs, trellises and awnings are used to block summer sunlight and keep a home cooler.

The size and shape of a new houses windows play an important role in passive solar design. Ideally, the windows should face south, with an unobstructed view of the sky. The total window area should be equal to or larger than the floor area of the conditioned space. This includes the area of frames, dividers and sash, which can reduce the window area by 10-40%.

Another consideration is the sites solar access, particularly in areas with zoning rules that protect solar rights. The best sites are those with long sides facing the south. Skinny sites can still face south, but its more difficult to get the same level of solar energy distribution.

Solar pv design services include system layouts, electrical diagrams and engineering drawings that ensure installations are in compliance with local codes and standards. They can help maximize the efficiency of a solar installation, increase its reliability and reduce the time it takes to bring the project to fruition. In addition to ensuring installations are compliant and safe, solar design services can lower the cost of the installation by helping you secure government incentives.