Passive Solar Design for a Building
Passive Solar Design for a Building
This is a diagram of a passive solar design for a building.
- Low Winter Sun: South windows accept direct sunlight to light and warm the building interior.
- High Summer Sun: Overhang blocks direct sunlight.
Passive solar design is a way of using the natural energy from the sun to heat and cool a building. This can be done by using the right orientation, insulation, and landscaping. In the winter, the sun is lower in the sky, so it shines through the south-facing windows and heats up the interior of the building. In the summer, the sun is higher in the sky, so the overhang blocks the direct sunlight and keeps the building cooler.
The diagram shows a building with south-facing windows and a roof overhang. The windows are sized and positioned to allow as much sunlight as possible to enter the building in the winter. The overhang is sized and positioned to block the sun in the summer. The building is also likely to have good insulation to keep the heat in during the winter and the cool air in during the summer.
Passive solar design can be a great way to reduce energy costs and make a building more comfortable to live in. It is important to consider the climate and local conditions when designing a passive solar building.
Here are some additional things to consider when designing a passive solar building:
- The amount of sunlight that a building receives will vary depending on its location and orientation.
- The size and type of windows will affect how much heat gain and heat loss occurs.
- The amount of insulation will affect how well the building retains heat.
- The type of landscaping can also help to shade the building in the summer and block cold winds in the winter.