What Makes A House Passive Solar?
Lots of people toss around the words ‘Passive Solar’ when talking about building ‘green’ and conserving energy. But what does ‘Passive Solar’ really mean? It is more than just lots of windows strategically placed on one side of a house. It includes five main elements, as defined by the Dept. of Energy:
1. Control: Site-planning or how you position your house
2. Apertures: Your windows, and where they are located
3. Absorbers: The heat absorbers inside the house, and where they are located
4. Thermal Mass: What is inside the Absorbers, and their ability to collect heat
5. Distribution: How you send the absorbed heat around the house
Interesting Article Michael. I have actually never heard of the term “passive solar” before. Seems to make a lot of sense though.
Its interesting how you can make a house ‘green’ with materials and the way its built. You don’t really need technology. For example, a home with tons of skylights will do wonders for your electric bill. Save on light during the day, and turn the AC off at night!
Great post. I agree with Dan!