construction technique of using structural elements of a building to bring in heat in cold weather and deflect or vent heat in hot weather through the use of materials, coating, eaves, windows, landscape; examples: north, south, east, west orientation, sun/shade, insulation
the practice of orienting and sizing a building, its windows and its internal masses in such a way that it responds to the sun and the climate, reducing the need for mechanical heating and cooling equipment.
Passive solar design can be a low cost way to increase energy efficiency.
A type of architecture that uses the inherent characteristics of a building to capture heat and light from the Sun.
Passive solar design is the use of various design techniques in a building to capitalize on heat and light from the sun and reduce the need for mechanical and electric systems. These techniques include daylighting, large south-facing windows, natural shading and ventilation, and building materials that absorb heat from the sun and slowly release it to warm the building. Proper use of passive solar design can reduce heating bills as much as 50%.
Using design methods to capitalize on heat and light from the sun, thereby reducing the need for electric systems.
refers to designing buildings to maximize the use of solar radiation to warm and light the interior. Passive solar design criteria include properly siting the building, using energy efficient windows, and providing for both appropriate levels of insulation and thermal mass (material in the walls or floors of the building which stores heat and thereby helps to moderate temperature variations).
A building design that uses structural elements of a building to heat and cool a building, without the use of mechanical equipment, which requires careful consideration of the local climate and solar energy resource, building orientation, and landscape features, to name a few. The principal elements include proper building orientation, proper window sizing and placement and design of window overhangs to reduce summer heat gain and ensure winter heat gain, and proper sizing of thermal energy storage mass (for example a Trombe wall or masonry tiles). The heat is distributed primarily by natural convection and radiation, though fans can also be used to circulate room air or ensure proper ventilation.