 Passive solar buildings aim to maintain comfortable temperatures in the home throughout the sun's daily and annual cycles. EnviroCitizen.org has found that this is accomplished while reducing the requirement for active heating and cooling systems. Passive solar building design is one part of green building design, and does not include active systems such as mechanical ventilation or photovoltaics.
The scientific basis for passive solar building design has been developed from a combination of climatology, thermodynamics and human needs. Specific attention is directed to the site and location of the dwelling, the local climate, design and construction, solar orientation, placement of glazing-and-shading of windows and other elements, as well as an understanding of how thermodynamics work within the home. While these considerations may be directed toward any building, achieving an ideal solution requires careful integration of these principles so that the best design for the building is achieved. Modern refinements through computer modeling and application of other technology can achieve significant energy savings without necessarily sacrificing functionality or creative aesthetics as is used by architects. In fact it is for this reason that this newly coined term, known as Architectural Science or Architectural Technology, has become an up and coming subject area in most schools of Architecture worldwide.
Solar plans can use the sun to heat and light a home. Fundamental, passive solar hot water heating involves no pumps or anything of an electrical nature. It is very cost-effective in climates that do not have lengthy, sub-freezing or very-cloudy weather conditions. Other active solar water heating technologies may be more appropriate for some locations than for others. Passive solar lighting techniques attempt to take advantage of natural illumination and reduce reliance on artificial lighting systems which consume energy. This can be achieved through careful building design and strategic placement of window sections throughout your home. Other creative solutions involve the use of reflective surfaces to admit daylight into the interior of a building through the use of things such as a solar light tube or light shelf. Window sections should be adequately sized without resulting in over-illumination.
Reducing your energy consumption is better for you, the Earth and future generations. Through careful planning and with the help of the right green experts, you can strategically use solar planning to reduce your energy consumption for heating, cooling and light without using any outside energy. EnviroCitizen.org has found that this is a great energy alternative because solar panels and other sometimes expensive green solar systems do not have to be installed. Consider implementing a solar space plan in your home!
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