by 
The Curious Bag
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Passive solar design uses the natural energy from the sun to heat and cool buildings. Ideally, elements that enhance the passive use of solar energy are built into a building at the time of construction, but they can be added later.
Advantages
Some important advantages of passive solar design are: lower energy bills year-round; higher resale value for the building; quiet operation; low maintenance and environmental friendliness.
Begin With Site Orientation
The best orientation for passive solar design is a structure with the longer axis running east/west. This means that the longer dimension of the house faces the south and the sun.
Collecting Solar Heat
The ideal is a large set of windows that get unshaded sunlight from 9 a.m. till 3 p.m. during the season when heating is needed.
Thermal Mass for Storage
The thermal mass refers to interior parts of the house that the sun strikes after coming through the windows. The thermal mass, such as masonry floors, absorbs heat from the sun and releases it at night.
Interior Design
An open floor-plan design facilitates the flow of air and helps a passive solar system to distribute its benefits more evenly throughout the house.
Source:
NMSEA.com; Advantages of passive solar design
EnergySavers.gov: How passive solar design works
EnergySavers.gov: Five elements of passive solar design
More Information:
ConsumerEnergyCenter.org: Good general information & features of passive solar design
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