ecomii - a better way
March 20, 2010  |  Login
Passive and Active Solar: Using the Sun to Heat, Cool, and Light Your Home
By Eric Corey Freed
 

Passive solar integrates insulation, thermal mass, and passive cooling into one cohesive approach. When used correctly, a passive solar home can use the sun to provide for the heating, cooling, and daylighting of most of your needs.

The process is simple: Passive solar design takes advantage of the fact that the summer sun is higher than the winter sun. Overhangs shade the building from the summer sun, keeping it cool. The same overhangs allow the lower winter sun to enter the building and heat an interior thermal mass wall.

Passive solar design works in most climates, but it works best in areas with seasonal changes in weather. When a sun-facing, thermal mass wall is placed behind some glass, this is called a trombe wall. The space between the glass and the wall will fill with hot air. Vents at the top and bottom of the wall control this hot air, allowing it to be used to heat the building. The thick wall shown in figure below shows how a passive solar is used throughout the year.

The best approach to passive solar is to use the principles to influence and shape the design of your home. Although considering passive solar during the initial design of your home is best, even an existing building can benefit from these ideas. Passive solar systems don’t add to the cost of the building, and you’ll see an immediate improvement in your energy use.

 
 

Recent Message Board Posts

 

 
 
ecomii featured poll

Are vitamins and supplements effective?

 

 

Are vitamins and supplements effective?
 
the ecomii eight
1 Winter Squash   5 Pistachio Stuffing
2 Chestnuts   6 Cap & Trade
3 Carbon Footprint   7 Pecan Pie
4 Supplements   8 Natural Health
 
ecomii resources
 
ecomii Tips Newsletter 

Sign up today to receive a weekly tip for living greener

 
Get in Touch

Got suggestions? Want to write for us? See something we could improve? Let us know!