1

Solar Wonders, ©2007 Florida Solar Energy Center

Passive Solar Design

Designing a

building to work with the sun

2

Solar Wonders, ©2007 Florida Solar Energy Center

There is a type of solar energy that uses no equipment at all. This is called Passive Solar, and it uses the basic structural elements of a building, careful site selection and home planning, and various homebuilding strategies to keep buildings comfortable at very low energy cost. It also incorporates energy-efficiency features.

3

Solar Wonders, ©2007 Florida Solar Energy Center

The principles of passive solar are nothing new. More than 2500 years ago in ancient Greece, entire cities were

built to take advantage of the sun and the climate. Buildings were designed to take advantage of

daylighting, ventilation and other good design practices.

4

Solar Wonders, ©2007 Florida Solar Energy Center

In the U.S., drawings and photographs of the cliff dwellings of the American Indians and the sod homes of

the early pioneers show the popularity – and the necessity – of building homes to respond to the

environment.

5

Solar Wonders, ©2007 Florida Solar Energy Center

Passive solar designs include open areas with walls that absorb heat during the day and

release it at night – into the home in winter and out of the home in summer.

6

Solar Wonders, ©2007 Florida Solar Energy Center

Large windows take advantage of the winter sun, but blinds and drapes keep the home cooler in summer. Windows let daylight in, and operable windows let the

occupants control the flow of natural ventilation.

7

Solar Wonders, ©2007 Florida Solar Energy Center

Sunspaces give homeowners bright greenhouse-style rooms that are very

comfortable in cold weather.

8

Solar Wonders, ©2007 Florida Solar Energy Center

A home in a crowded “hutong” in the narrow alleyways of Beijing has little furniture or amenities -– but it does have a compact fluorescent energy-efficient light in the ceiling.

9

Solar Wonders, ©2007 Florida Solar Energy Center

Discussion Questions

• What passive design features would you put into homes in your community?

• What active solar features would work best with an overall passive home design?

• How could passive design features make your school more energy-efficient?