Go Solar and Save Big!

(Page 6 of 6)

August/September 2006
By Clarke Snell 
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Solar Design for Warm Climates

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These solar design strategies can be effective in a climate with mild winters and hot summers. Cooling is the main need, and more of the living space should be oriented to the north.

  1. Look for a site where the house can be positioned with plenty of outdoor living space to the north. Another plus is a site with trees to the east and west to block morning and afternoon sun.
  2. The house should be compact in shape, with less wall area exposed to the sun. Build shaded porches and patios.
  3. Focus on outdoor living space to the north and east for cooking, sleeping and relaxing. Comfortable shaded verandas are inexpensive additions that make a house feel luxurious.
  4. Take advantage of the cooling effects of vegetation by planning for plenty of trees, vines and garden space. Established shade trees are an invaluable resource — protect them!
  5. Maximize insulation in the walls and in the ceiling.
  6. For the roof, use a radiant barrier and reflective metal or light-colored roof tile and create air space between the roof surface and the sheathing.
  7. If some winter heating is required, thermal mass, such as a concrete floor, and windows to the south can be used.
  8. If using south-facing thermal mass for winter heating, use deciduous trees or a vine-covered arbor to shade it in summer.
  9. In arid climates, use thick walls as a buffer against the sun. Minimize windows to increase this effect.
  10. In hot, humid climates with no winter, don’t worry about thermal mass. Lift the building off the ground over open crawl space to encourage air flow. Maximize window and door openings on all sides.

Resources

Books

The Good House Book
By Clarke Snell

The Passive Solar House
By James Kachadorian

The Solar House
By Dan Chiras

Web Resources

Passive Solar Design
www.consumerenergycenter.org/home/construction/solardesign
An overview of passive solar design strategies from the California Energy Commission.

Sustainable by Design
www.susdesign.com/tools.php
Advanced tools for calculating sun position, the impact of window overhangs and more.

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Comments

  • SteveR 5/29/2009 4:45:27 PM

    Good summary of many of the ideas!

    There should be a caveat though, that all directions indicated are N.Hemisphere centric. For all S.Hemisphere readers, switch all references to North with South and vice-versa.

    Steve/New Zealand

  • Bruce K 5/29/2009 9:19:37 AM

    Very good article, lots of ideas and referrences. Would have preferred a bit more information on retrofit projects as most people are living in their house right now and not building a house.

    Simple retrofit items include wind breaks, shade trees to the south of the house, adding mass to the inside of south facing windows, using blinds, outside window shades, DIY solar water and air heating systems, etc. Here are some more ideas..

    DIY solar water heaters: http://www.greenterrafirma.com/batch_solar_collector.html

    DIY solar AIR heaters: (remove in summer)
    http://www.greenterrafirma.com/solar-air-heating.html

    DIY solar oven: http://www.greenterrafirma.com/diy-solar-oven.html

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