Passive Solar Design

Designing a
building to
work with
the sun

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Solar Wonders, ©2007 Florida Solar Energy Center

 Sunspaces give homeowners bright
greenhouse-style rooms that are very
comfortable in cold weather.

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.

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?
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Solar Wonders, ©2007 Florida Solar Energy Center