What Are Passive Solar Home Designs, and How Do They Work?

Energy prices are higher than ever before. With that, it’s no question that most of us probably would love to be able to ditch our gas or electric bill once and for all.

Well, did you know that a passive solar home design can pretty much eliminate your power bill forever? If you haven’t heard of passive solar home designs before, you might be surprised to learn that they have been around for several decades.

So if you’re interested, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading, and we’ll walk you through what they are and how they work.

Large Windows/Skylights Facing the South

Large windows, skylights, and other openings that face the south are essential components of any passive solar system. The windows will admit sunlight and solar energy into your home during the day. This energy is then collected and stored in walls, floors, and interior partitions. And then the energy gets released during the night to keep your home warm.

In the summer months, when there is plenty of sunlight and warmer temperatures, the walls, floors, and partitions of the home will absorb the heat. It will store it until it’s used when the home begins to cool down for the night. This process ensures that the home does not heat up too quickly and that it maintains a comfortable temperature throughout the day. 

Double-Glazed Window Systems

In a double-glazed window system, the two panes of glass are installed with a small space between them. The trapped air in between acts as an insulation barrier. When the sun warms up air and light enters the building, heat gets trapped inside.

Sunspaces

A sunspace is an enclosed area within a home that has been specifically designed to collect, store, and radiate energy from the sun. Houses may attach it to the south side of a home and contain windows that allow sunlight to enter the space. The materials within the space absorb the solar radiation to act like a giant radiator, providing warm air that it releases into the rest of the home.

Sunspaces also provide day lighting. And the addition of glass allows for beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. They can help to reduce energy costs, provide sun protection for rooms, and act as a gathering space.

Trombe Walls

Trombe walls are walls constructed on the exterior of a home made out of a non-conductive material. These materials can be brick, concrete, or stone that absorbs heat during the day. The heat is then circulated through the living space using convection.

Additionally, the wall serves as a thermal mass, providing a stable temperature during both hot and cold times of the day. Just remember that the position of the Trombe wall is critical. It should be in position so that it can capture and store the sun’s heat during the day, and then disperse heat during colder temperatures. 

Attached Greenhouses

An attached greenhouse is a structure attached to the main building faced with large windows or clear plastic to let in the light. Inside, the sun heats the air and then it circulates into the home, heating it or cooling it down.

Greenhouses also catch gusts of wind that cool down the home during hot summer days. The interior walls of the greenhouse are often covered with dark colors to absorb the heat of the sun during cold weather. And the sunlight and plants can help naturally purify the air in the home.

Solar Chimney

A solar chimney is one type of structure found in passive solar home designs. It works by using natural convection current to draw warm air, which has been heated by the sun, from the home into the chimney and out the top. This constant escape of air from the home creates a vacuum, drawing in fresh air from outside.

An Overview of Passive Solar Home Designs

Passive solar home designs are a form of home design centered around the use of natural resources and natural energy to build and power the home. This includes aspects such as the positioning of windows/doors to maximize natural light absorption. 

It could mean the use of construction materials used to lessen energy use. Thermal mass, like concrete and masonry, works to absorb energy from the environment throughout the day. Then, it slowly releases that energy when temperatures drop in the evening helping to ensure that nights stay warm.

Additionally, other items like canopies and solar screens can help the home accept and retain heat. These passive solar home designs leverage the environment to reduce heating and cooling needs. It also conserves natural resources in the process.

The Benefits

Some of the benefits of these home designs include controlling the temperature in the home and reducing noise pollution. This type of home heating also utilizes sustainable energy sources and increases the value of the home. Passive solar homes can regulate humidity and air purity levels.

These home designs can also minimize the home’s dependence on damaging fossil fuels and electricity. They can improve air circulation indoors and make homes more comfortable and aesthetic.

The Challenges

Challenges facing passive solar home designs vary according to geographic area. This includes the amount of available sunlight, climate, and the building’s insulation and air sealant qualities. 

The quality of materials used in the construction process, including the type and size of windows, are also key factors. They can optimize or hamper insulation, ventilation, and energy efficiency.

The good news is that you can tackle these challenges cost-effectively. You can use sustainable high-performance insulation, double glazing, as well as efficient ventilation. You just might want to check this link to understand the possible costs of incorporating these solar power systems in your home.

Incorporate These Passive Designs in Your Home Now

Passive solar home designs can provide many benefits for a home – from energy efficiency to cost savings. These homes take advantage of the sun’s energy and store it for use throughout the day and night. And it presents a great return on investment and easy installation.

So what are you waiting for? Contact a local installer to get started on your passive solar home today!

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