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Passive Solar Energy By: David Jung Objective What is Passive Solar Energy and how does it work? 5 Basic Solar Design Principles Advantages Disadvantages What is Passive Solar Energy Passive Solar Energy is the use of solar energy to heat a home with little or no mechanical assistance.
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Passive Solar Energy By: David Jung
Objective • What is Passive Solar Energy and how does it work? • 5 Basic Solar Design Principles • Advantages • Disadvantages
What is Passive Solar Energy • Passive Solar Energy is the use of solar energy to heat a home with little or no mechanical assistance. • Homes constructed with solar design elements, capture sunlight and utilizes the natural movement of heat and air to maintain comfortable temperatures.
5 Basic Solar Design Principles Orientation • Longer axis of home parallel to east/west direction • Longer dimension of house faces south Overhangs and Shading • Properly sized overhangs provide shading when cooling is needed and allows sunlight in when heating is needed • Other methods of shading: insulated drapes or shutters, exterior shades, awnings, and landscaping Insulation • To ensure that a comfortable temperature is maintained within the house Windows • Optimum position for maximum solar benefits is true south • Position majority of windows on the south-facing wall to collect warm solar energy and to let in fresh air • Limit north/east/west windows to keep house well insulated Thermal Mass • A solid or liquid material that absorbs and stores warmth or coolness until it is needed later on • To prevent large changes in indoor temperatures as outdoor temp. rises and falls, balance the amount of square footage of south-facing glass to the amount of effective thermal masses
Advantages • Environmentally-Friendly • Attractive living environment: large windows/views, open floor plans, and sunny interiors • Lower energy bills, year-round • High owner satisfaction, increases re-sale value of the house
Disadvantages • Without help of experienced passive solar designer, building a home that utilizes passive solar energy can be very difficult • A small mistake can be costly • Unwanted heat during the summer increases energy use in the building due to added load on the A/C
References • http://www.eere.energy.gov/de/passive_solar_design.html • http://www.nmsea.org/Passive_Solar/Passive_Solar_Design.htm • http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/homeandwork/homes/construction/solardesign.html