Technology Fact Sheet

PASSIVE SOLAR DESIGN

For more information, contact:

PASSIVE SOLAR DESIGN TOOLS
One of the best ways to design an energy-
daylighting, passive solar heating, and high- PASSIVE SOLAR DESIGN
efficiency mechanical systems. Another tool to
Energy Efficiency and efficient house featuring passive solar optimize window area and aid window Increase energy efficiency and comfort in homes
Renewable Energy techniques is to use a computer simulation
Clearinghouse (EREC)
program. Energy-10 is a PC-based design tool
selection is RESFEN. Access these and other
by incorporating passive solar design features
1-800-DOE-3732 passive solar design tools from the DOE’s
www.eren.doe.gov that helps identify the best combination of Office of Building Technology, State, and
energy-efficient strategies, including Community Program’s website.
Or visit the BTS Web site at
www.eren.doe.gov/buildings DESIGN WITH THE SUN IN MIND
Sunlight can provide ample heat, light, and SOLAR POSITIONING CONSIDERATIONS
Or visit the Sustainable
THERMAL MASS IN THE HEATING SEASON shade and induce summertime ventilation into The south side of the home must be
Buildings Industry Council
Web site at 10:00 am to 5:00 pm the well-designed home. Passive solar design oriented to within 30 degrees of due
Buildings for
www.sbicouncil.org Sunlight enters south-facing windows and can reduce heating and cooling energy bills, south.
the 21st Century
Or visit the Efficient Window strikes the thermal mass inside the home. The increase spatial vitality, and improve comfort.
Collaborative Web site at Buildings that are more Inherently flexible passive solar design principles
sunlight is converted to heat energy, which heats SUMMER

www.efficientwindows.org energy efficient, comfortable,

10am - 5pm both the air and thermal mass materials. On typically accrue energy benefits with low main-
and affordable…that’s the
Written and prepared for most sunny days, solar heat maintains comfort tenance risks over the life of the building. WINTER
goal of DOE’s Office of Building
the U.S. Department of during the mid-morning to late afternoon periods.
Energy by: Technology, State and DESIGN TECHNIQUES
5:00 pm to 11:00 pm Community Programs (BTS). Passive solar design integrates a combination
NAHB Research Center To accelerate the development
As the sun sets, it stops supplying heat to the of building features to reduce or even eliminate
800-898-2842
home. However, a substantial amount of heat and wide application of energy
www.nahbrc.org the need for mechanical cooling and heating
has been stored in the thermal mass. These efficiency measures, BTS:
Southface Energy Institute
and daytime artificial lighting. Designers and
materials release the heat slowly into the passive • Conducts R&D on technologies builders pay particular attention to the sun to
404-872-3549 5pm - 11pm

www.southface.org solar rooms, keeping them comfortable on most and concepts for energy effi-
minimize heating and cooling needs. The
winter evenings. If temperatures fall below the ciency, working closely with
U.S. Department of Energy's design does not need to be complex, but it
comfort level, supplemental heat is needed. the building industry and with
Oak Ridge National does involve knowledge of solar geometry,
manufacturers of materials,
Laboratory 11:00 pm to 6:30 am window technology, and local climate. Given
Buildings Technology Center equipment, and appliances software that can improve the design and
The home owner sets the thermostat back at the proper building site, virtually any type of
423-574-5178 • Promotes energy/money integration of passive solar principles into
www.ornl.gov/ORNL/BTC night, so only minimal back-up heating is architecture can integrate passive solar design.
saving opportunities to both modern residential structures.
needed. Energy-efficient features in the home Passive solar heating techniques generally fall
builders and buyers of homes
minimize heat losses to the outside. into one of three categories: direct gain, COST
Factsheets on insulation are and commercial buildings
available from the Energy 11pm - 6:30am 6:30 am to 10:00 am indirect gain, and isolated gain. Direct gain is It takes more thought to design with the sun;
• Works with state and local
Efficiency and The cool early morning hours are the toughest solar radiation that directly penetrates and is however, passive solar features such as
Renewable Energy regulatory groups to improve
for passive solar heating systems to provide building codes, appliance stored in the living space. Indirect gain collects, additional glazing, added thermal mass, larger
Clearinghouse (EREC)
1-800-DOE-3732 comfort. The thermal mass has usually given up standards, and guidelines for stores, and distributes solar radiation using roof overhangs, or other shading features can
www.eren.doe.gov most of its heat, and the sun has not risen efficient energy use some thermal storage material (e.g., Trombé pay for themselves. Since passive solar designs
NOTICE: Neither the United
enough to begin heating the home. During this • Provides support and grants wall). Conduction, radiation, or convection then require substantially less mechanical heating
States government nor any period, the home owner may have to rely on supple- to states and communities transfers the energy indoors. Isolated gain and cooling capacity, savings can accrue from
agency thereof, nor any of their mental heat. Energy-efficient features in the home systems (e.g., sunspace) collect solar radiation reduced unit size, installation, operation, and
for deployment of energy-
employees, makes any warranty, 6:30am - 10am
express or implied, or assumes minimize the need for supplemental heating. efficient technologies and in an area that can be selectively closed off or maintenance costs. Passive solar design
any legal liability or responsibility practices opened to the rest of the house. techniques may therefore have a higher first
for the accuracy, completeness,
Passive solar design is not new. In fact, ancient cost but are often less expensive when the
or usefulness of any information,
apparatus, product, or process civilizations used passive solar design. What is lower annual energy and maintenance costs are
disclosed. The views and opin-
new are building materials, methods, and factored in over the life of the building.
ions of authors expressed herein
do not necessarily state or reflect Printed with a renewable-source ink on paper containing at
least 50% wastepaper, including 20% postconsumer waste.
those of the United States gov- OFFICE OF BUILDING TECHNOLOGY, STATE AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
December 2000 DOE/GO102000-0790
ernment or any agency thereof. ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY • U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
 PASSIVE SOLAR DESIGN

Window Selection. Heating with solar energy is easy: Cost effective windows for cooling climates have a U-factor below Shading. The summer sun rises higher overhead than the
DIRECT GAIN PASSIVE SOLAR DESIGN just let the sun shine in through the windows. The natural 0.4 and a SHGC below 0.55 (a lower SHGC cuts cooling costs). winter sun. Properly sized window overhangs or awnings are
TECHNIQUES properties of glass let sunlight through but trap long-wave Wherever possible, climate-specific window property an effective option to optimize southerly solar heat gain and
Passive solar design strategies vary by building location and heat radiation, keeping the house warm (the greenhouse ef- recommendations from the Efficient Windows Collaborative shading. They shade windows from the summer sun and, in
regional climate, but the basic techniques remain the same— fect). The challenge often is to properly size the south-facing should be followed. the winter when the sun is lower in the sky, permit sunlight to
maximize solar heat gain in winter and minimize it in summer. glass to balance heat gain and heat loss properties without pass through the window to warm the interior. Landscaping
Suntempering. In cold climates, a strategy termed
Specific techniques include: overheating. helps shade south-, east-, or west-facing windows from
“suntempering” orients most of the home’s glazing toward the
• Start by using energy-efficient design strategies. Increasing the glass area can increase building energy loss. summer heat gain. Mature deciduous trees permit most winter
south—a glazing area of up to 7 percent of the building floor
New window technologies, including selective coatings, have sunlight (60 percent or more) to pass through while providing
• Orient the house with the long axis running east/west. area. Additional south-facing glazing may be included if more
lessened such concerns by increasing window insulation dappled shade throughout summer.
• Select, orient, and size glass to optimize winter heat gain thermal mass is built in. Such a shift in window location is a
properties to help keep heat where it is needed. great strategy for cold climates and costs nothing beyond Heat Storage. Thermal mass, or materials used to store heat,
and minimize summer heat gain for the specific climate.
In heating climates, reduce the window area on north-, east-, good planning. Many passive solar homes are merely is an integral part of most passive solar design. Materials such
Consider selecting different glazings for different sides of
and west-facing walls, while still allowing for adequate day- suntempered. as concrete, masonry, wallboard, and even water absorb heat
the house (exposures).
light. Effective south-facing windows require a high Solar Heat during sunlit days and slowly release it as temperatures drop.
• Size south-facing overhangs to shade windows in summer This dampens the effects of outside air temperature changes
Gain Coefficient (SHGC)—usually 0.60 or higher—to maximize
and allow solar gain in winter. SIZE SOUTH FACING OVERHANGS TO PROPERLY and moderates indoor temperatures. Although even overcast
heat gain, a low U-factor (0.35 or less) to reduce conductive
• Add thermal mass in walls or floors for heat storage. SHADE WINDOWS skies provide solar heating, long periods of little sunshine
heat transfer, and a high visible transmittance (VT) for good

○
○
• Use natural ventilation to reduce or eliminate visible light transfer. SHGC refers to the portion of incident often require a back-up heat source. Optimum mass-to-glass

○
2

○
cooling needs. sunlight admitted through a window, and U-factor indicates ratios, depending on climate, may be used to prevent over-

○
heating and minimize energy consumption (The Sun’s Joules,

○
the heat loss rate for the window assembly. 4

○
• Use daylight to provide natural lighting. 3 http://solstice.crest.org/renewables/SJ/passive-solar/

○
In cooling climates, particularly effective strategies include

○
These techniques are described in more detail below. 5 40 degrees 136.html). Avoid coverings such as carpet that inhibit thermal

○
preferential use of north-facing windows along with

○
Cutting Losses. A passive solar home should start out well mass absorption and transfer.

○
generously shaded south-facing windows. Shading from

○
sealed and well insulated. By reducing heat loss and gain,

○
landscaping, overhangs, shutters, and solar window screens Natural Cooling. Apt use of outdoor air often can cool a home

8 feet
○
remaining energy loads can be effectively met with passive 1 without need for mechanical cooling, especially when effective

○
helps lower heat gain on windows that receive full sun.

○
solar techniques. Approaches that contribute to minimizing shading, insulation, window selection, and other means already

○
80 degrees

○
heating and cooling loads include using advanced framing reduce the cooling load. In many climates, opening windows at

○
○
guidelines, properly installing insulation, using recommended night to flush the house with cooler outdoor air and then closing
WINDOW RATINGS

○
○
insulation levels (International Code Council’s International Many windows include a National Fenestration Rating windows and shades by day can greatly reduce the need for

○
○
Energy Conservation Code, (703) 931-4533, www.intlcode.org Council sticker that lists U-factors, SHGC, and VT. supplemental cooling. Cross-ventilation techniques capture cool-

○
○
or the U.S. Department of Energy’s Insulation Fact Sheet, ing, flow-through breezes. Exhausting naturally rising warmer air

○
DOE/CE-0180, (800) DOE-EREC, www.ornl.gov/roofs+walls),
○ ○ ○
OVERHANG SIZING RULES:
through upper-level openings (stack effect; e.g., clerestory
reducing duct losses, and tightening the building envelope. 1. Draw the wall to be shaded to scale.
windows) or fans (e.g., whole-house fan) encourages lower-level
2. Draw the summer sun angle upward from the openings to admit cooler, refreshing, replacement air.
Site Orientation. The building’s southern exposure must be
bottom of the glazing.
clear of large obstacles (e.g., tall buildings, tall trees) that Natural Lighting. Sometimes called daylighting, natural light-
block the sunlight. Although a true southern exposure is 3. Draw the overhang until it intersects the ing refers to reliance on sunlight for daytime interior lighting.
optimal to maximize solar contribution, it is neither mandatory summer sun angle line. Glazing characteristics include high-VT glazing on the east,
nor always possible. Provided the building faces within 30° of 4. Draw the line at the winter sun angle from the west, and north facades combined with large, south-facing
due south, south-facing glazing will receive about 90 percent bottom edge of the overhang to the wall. window areas. A daylit room requires, as a general rule, at least
of the optimal winter solar heat gain. 5 percent of the room floor area in glazing. Low-emissivity
5. Use a solid wall above the line where the winter
(low-E) coatings can help minimize glare while offering
sun hits. The portion of the wall below that
appropriate improved climatic heat gain or loss characteristics.
line should be glazed.
Sloped or horizontal glass (e.g., skylights) admit light but are
often problematic because of unwanted seasonal overheating,
radiant heat loss, and assorted other problems.
 PASSIVE SOLAR DESIGN

Window Selection. Heating with solar energy is easy: Cost effective windows for cooling climates have a U-factor below Shading. The summer sun rises higher overhead than the
DIRECT GAIN PASSIVE SOLAR DESIGN just let the sun shine in through the windows. The natural 0.4 and a SHGC below 0.55 (a lower SHGC cuts cooling costs). winter sun. Properly sized window overhangs or awnings are
TECHNIQUES properties of glass let sunlight through but trap long-wave Wherever possible, climate-specific window property an effective option to optimize southerly solar heat gain and
Passive solar design strategies vary by building location and heat radiation, keeping the house warm (the greenhouse ef- recommendations from the Efficient Windows Collaborative shading. They shade windows from the summer sun and, in
regional climate, but the basic techniques remain the same— fect). The challenge often is to properly size the south-facing should be followed. the winter when the sun is lower in the sky, permit sunlight to
maximize solar heat gain in winter and minimize it in summer. glass to balance heat gain and heat loss properties without pass through the window to warm the interior. Landscaping
Suntempering. In cold climates, a strategy termed
Specific techniques include: overheating. helps shade south-, east-, or west-facing windows from
“suntempering” orients most of the home’s glazing toward the
• Start by using energy-efficient design strategies. Increasing the glass area can increase building energy loss. summer heat gain. Mature deciduous trees permit most winter
south—a glazing area of up to 7 percent of the building floor
New window technologies, including selective coatings, have sunlight (60 percent or more) to pass through while providing
• Orient the house with the long axis running east/west. area. Additional south-facing glazing may be included if more
lessened such concerns by increasing window insulation dappled shade throughout summer.
• Select, orient, and size glass to optimize winter heat gain thermal mass is built in. Such a shift in window location is a
properties to help keep heat where it is needed. great strategy for cold climates and costs nothing beyond Heat Storage. Thermal mass, or materials used to store heat,
and minimize summer heat gain for the specific climate.
In heating climates, reduce the window area on north-, east-, good planning. Many passive solar homes are merely is an integral part of most passive solar design. Materials such
Consider selecting different glazings for different sides of
and west-facing walls, while still allowing for adequate day- suntempered. as concrete, masonry, wallboard, and even water absorb heat
the house (exposures).
light. Effective south-facing windows require a high Solar Heat during sunlit days and slowly release it as temperatures drop.
• Size south-facing overhangs to shade windows in summer This dampens the effects of outside air temperature changes
Gain Coefficient (SHGC)—usually 0.60 or higher—to maximize
and allow solar gain in winter. SIZE SOUTH FACING OVERHANGS TO PROPERLY and moderates indoor temperatures. Although even overcast
heat gain, a low U-factor (0.35 or less) to reduce conductive
• Add thermal mass in walls or floors for heat storage. SHADE WINDOWS skies provide solar heating, long periods of little sunshine
heat transfer, and a high visible transmittance (VT) for good

○
○
• Use natural ventilation to reduce or eliminate visible light transfer. SHGC refers to the portion of incident often require a back-up heat source. Optimum mass-to-glass

○
2

○
cooling needs. sunlight admitted through a window, and U-factor indicates ratios, depending on climate, may be used to prevent over-

○
heating and minimize energy consumption (The Sun’s Joules,

○
the heat loss rate for the window assembly. 4

○
• Use daylight to provide natural lighting. 3 http://solstice.crest.org/renewables/SJ/passive-solar/

○
In cooling climates, particularly effective strategies include

○
These techniques are described in more detail below. 5 40 degrees 136.html). Avoid coverings such as carpet that inhibit thermal

○
preferential use of north-facing windows along with

○
Cutting Losses. A passive solar home should start out well mass absorption and transfer.

○
generously shaded south-facing windows. Shading from

○
sealed and well insulated. By reducing heat loss and gain,

○
landscaping, overhangs, shutters, and solar window screens Natural Cooling. Apt use of outdoor air often can cool a home

8 feet
○
remaining energy loads can be effectively met with passive 1 without need for mechanical cooling, especially when effective

○
helps lower heat gain on windows that receive full sun.

○
solar techniques. Approaches that contribute to minimizing shading, insulation, window selection, and other means already

○
80 degrees

○
heating and cooling loads include using advanced framing reduce the cooling load. In many climates, opening windows at

○
○
guidelines, properly installing insulation, using recommended night to flush the house with cooler outdoor air and then closing
WINDOW RATINGS

○
○
insulation levels (International Code Council’s International Many windows include a National Fenestration Rating windows and shades by day can greatly reduce the need for

○
○
Energy Conservation Code, (703) 931-4533, www.intlcode.org Council sticker that lists U-factors, SHGC, and VT. supplemental cooling. Cross-ventilation techniques capture cool-

○
○
or the U.S. Department of Energy’s Insulation Fact Sheet, ing, flow-through breezes. Exhausting naturally rising warmer air

○
DOE/CE-0180, (800) DOE-EREC, www.ornl.gov/roofs+walls),
○ ○ ○
OVERHANG SIZING RULES:
through upper-level openings (stack effect; e.g., clerestory
reducing duct losses, and tightening the building envelope. 1. Draw the wall to be shaded to scale.
windows) or fans (e.g., whole-house fan) encourages lower-level
2. Draw the summer sun angle upward from the openings to admit cooler, refreshing, replacement air.
Site Orientation. The building’s southern exposure must be
bottom of the glazing.
clear of large obstacles (e.g., tall buildings, tall trees) that Natural Lighting. Sometimes called daylighting, natural light-
block the sunlight. Although a true southern exposure is 3. Draw the overhang until it intersects the ing refers to reliance on sunlight for daytime interior lighting.
optimal to maximize solar contribution, it is neither mandatory summer sun angle line. Glazing characteristics include high-VT glazing on the east,
nor always possible. Provided the building faces within 30° of 4. Draw the line at the winter sun angle from the west, and north facades combined with large, south-facing
due south, south-facing glazing will receive about 90 percent bottom edge of the overhang to the wall. window areas. A daylit room requires, as a general rule, at least
of the optimal winter solar heat gain. 5 percent of the room floor area in glazing. Low-emissivity
5. Use a solid wall above the line where the winter
(low-E) coatings can help minimize glare while offering
sun hits. The portion of the wall below that
appropriate improved climatic heat gain or loss characteristics.
line should be glazed.
Sloped or horizontal glass (e.g., skylights) admit light but are
often problematic because of unwanted seasonal overheating,
radiant heat loss, and assorted other problems.
 Technology Fact Sheet
PASSIVE SOLAR DESIGN

For more information, contact:

PASSIVE SOLAR DESIGN TOOLS
One of the best ways to design an energy-
daylighting, passive solar heating, and high- PASSIVE SOLAR DESIGN
efficiency mechanical systems. Another tool to
Energy Efficiency and efficient house featuring passive solar optimize window area and aid window Increase energy efficiency and comfort in homes
Renewable Energy techniques is to use a computer simulation
Clearinghouse (EREC)
program. Energy-10 is a PC-based design tool
selection is RESFEN. Access these and other
by incorporating passive solar design features
1-800-DOE-3732 passive solar design tools from the DOE’s
www.eren.doe.gov that helps identify the best combination of Office of Building Technology, State, and
energy-efficient strategies, including Community Program’s website.
Or visit the BTS Web site at
www.eren.doe.gov/buildings DESIGN WITH THE SUN IN MIND
Sunlight can provide ample heat, light, and SOLAR POSITIONING CONSIDERATIONS
Or visit the Sustainable
THERMAL MASS IN THE HEATING SEASON shade and induce summertime ventilation into The south side of the home must be
Buildings Industry Council
Web site at 10:00 am to 5:00 pm the well-designed home. Passive solar design oriented to within 30 degrees of due
Buildings for
www.sbicouncil.org Sunlight enters south-facing windows and can reduce heating and cooling energy bills, south.
the 21st Century
Or visit the Efficient Window strikes the thermal mass inside the home. The increase spatial vitality, and improve comfort.
Collaborative Web site at Buildings that are more Inherently flexible passive solar design principles
sunlight is converted to heat energy, which heats SUMMER

www.efficientwindows.org energy efficient, comfortable,

10am - 5pm both the air and thermal mass materials. On typically accrue energy benefits with low main-
and affordable…that’s the
Written and prepared for most sunny days, solar heat maintains comfort tenance risks over the life of the building. WINTER
goal of DOE’s Office of Building
the U.S. Department of during the mid-morning to late afternoon periods.
Energy by: Technology, State and DESIGN TECHNIQUES
5:00 pm to 11:00 pm Community Programs (BTS). Passive solar design integrates a combination
NAHB Research Center To accelerate the development
As the sun sets, it stops supplying heat to the of building features to reduce or even eliminate
800-898-2842
home. However, a substantial amount of heat and wide application of energy
www.nahbrc.org the need for mechanical cooling and heating
has been stored in the thermal mass. These efficiency measures, BTS:
Southface Energy Institute
and daytime artificial lighting. Designers and
materials release the heat slowly into the passive • Conducts R&D on technologies builders pay particular attention to the sun to
404-872-3549 5pm - 11pm

www.southface.org solar rooms, keeping them comfortable on most and concepts for energy effi-
minimize heating and cooling needs. The
winter evenings. If temperatures fall below the ciency, working closely with
U.S. Department of Energy's design does not need to be complex, but it
comfort level, supplemental heat is needed. the building industry and with
Oak Ridge National does involve knowledge of solar geometry,
manufacturers of materials,
Laboratory 11:00 pm to 6:30 am window technology, and local climate. Given
Buildings Technology Center equipment, and appliances software that can improve the design and
The home owner sets the thermostat back at the proper building site, virtually any type of
423-574-5178 • Promotes energy/money integration of passive solar principles into
www.ornl.gov/ORNL/BTC night, so only minimal back-up heating is architecture can integrate passive solar design.
saving opportunities to both modern residential structures.
needed. Energy-efficient features in the home Passive solar heating techniques generally fall
builders and buyers of homes
minimize heat losses to the outside. into one of three categories: direct gain, COST
Factsheets on insulation are and commercial buildings
available from the Energy 11pm - 6:30am 6:30 am to 10:00 am indirect gain, and isolated gain. Direct gain is It takes more thought to design with the sun;
• Works with state and local
Efficiency and The cool early morning hours are the toughest solar radiation that directly penetrates and is however, passive solar features such as
Renewable Energy regulatory groups to improve
for passive solar heating systems to provide building codes, appliance stored in the living space. Indirect gain collects, additional glazing, added thermal mass, larger
Clearinghouse (EREC)
1-800-DOE-3732 comfort. The thermal mass has usually given up standards, and guidelines for stores, and distributes solar radiation using roof overhangs, or other shading features can
www.eren.doe.gov most of its heat, and the sun has not risen efficient energy use some thermal storage material (e.g., Trombé pay for themselves. Since passive solar designs
NOTICE: Neither the United
enough to begin heating the home. During this • Provides support and grants wall). Conduction, radiation, or convection then require substantially less mechanical heating
States government nor any period, the home owner may have to rely on supple- to states and communities transfers the energy indoors. Isolated gain and cooling capacity, savings can accrue from
agency thereof, nor any of their mental heat. Energy-efficient features in the home systems (e.g., sunspace) collect solar radiation reduced unit size, installation, operation, and
for deployment of energy-
employees, makes any warranty, 6:30am - 10am
express or implied, or assumes minimize the need for supplemental heating. efficient technologies and in an area that can be selectively closed off or maintenance costs. Passive solar design
any legal liability or responsibility practices opened to the rest of the house. techniques may therefore have a higher first
for the accuracy, completeness,
Passive solar design is not new. In fact, ancient cost but are often less expensive when the
or usefulness of any information,
apparatus, product, or process civilizations used passive solar design. What is lower annual energy and maintenance costs are
disclosed. The views and opin-
new are building materials, methods, and factored in over the life of the building.
ions of authors expressed herein
do not necessarily state or reflect Printed with a renewable-source ink on paper containing at
least 50% wastepaper, including 20% postconsumer waste.
those of the United States gov- OFFICE OF BUILDING TECHNOLOGY, STATE AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
December 2000 DOE/GO102000-0790
ernment or any agency thereof. ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY • U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY