Passive Solar

creative commons photograph of a 10x10 passive solar cabin in the woods! by Peter Blanchard

What is passive solar?

Passive solar design refers to the use of the sun’s energy for the heating and cooling of living spaces. If you’ve ever stood in the shade then walked into the sun and felt a difference, that’s the power of passive solar. The sun creates heat and by designing your home appropriately, you can take advantage of that heat! In passive solar building design, windows, walls, and floors are made to collect, store, and distribute solar energy in the form of heat in the winter and reject solar heat in the summer.

The reason that it is referred to as passive solar design is because, unlike active solar heating systems, it doesn’t involve the use of mechanical and electrical devices. When the local climate is harnessed, passive solar thrives.

Any home or building can be adapted, or “retrofitted” to integrate passive solar building techniques. The easiest no cost way to take advantage of solar heat is to be sure your windows aren’t shaded during winter days; this way the sun’s rays will come in and warm your floors and walls. During the summer, close blinds during the day to keep heat out, then open windows to let in cool air at night.

If you are interested in retrofitting your home for passive solar, Populus, a residential energy efficiency and building science consulting firm, and the managers of EnergySmart residential services, would be a great company to have a conversation with. 

For more information visit: http://passivesolar.sustainablesources.com/

written by Roxanna Shohadaee