Passive solar

Sunshine in our everyday lives

We use sunshine everyday. Here are some common ways that sunlight is used for light and heat:

  • windows to let in light and warmth to rooms
  • drying clothes in the sun
  • sun dried food such as tomatoes, sultanas and apricots.

Homes can be designed to make the best use of the sun for warmth in winter while keeping the heat out in summer. This is called passive solar heating.

Typical features of passive solar design are:

  • Eaves (where the roof overhangs to provide shade) to keep summer sun out but let winter sun in
  • North facing windows to maximise solar gain in the winter
  • Insulation (especially in roofing) to reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.

Extra information: The Australian Greenhouse Office  has an interesting fact sheet about passive solar house design.

North facing windows maximise winter sun Eaves and leafy trees keep out summer sun Keep out summer heat and let in winter sun with deciduous trees Close windows to keep out hot summer and cold winter winds Add temperature control with well insulated heavyweight internal walls Reduce heat loss with roof and ceiling insulation

Passive solar investigations:

Learn about: Thermal solar, Photovoltaic cells

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