Design Checklist
- Design for the most effective use of the sun
Overview
‘Solar design’ includes both ‘passive solar design’ and ‘active solar systems.' Passive solar design does not require special technology but employs certain design strategies to optimise the heating effects of the sun when heat is required, and for shade and natural ventilation when cooling is important. Passive solar construction need not cost any more than standard construction and can greatly reduce costs by reducing capital and ongoing costs of heating and air conditioning equipment.
How spaces or rooms are oriented for passive solar design must be balanced with other principles of site design, such as addressing the street.
Active solar systems include solar hot water systems (using the sun to provide hot water), and photovoltaic (PV) panels (which convert the sun’s rays into electricity).