Passive solar homes focus on efficiency first and then use solar energy to help reduce energy usage. Two key elements of passive solar architecture are south-facing windows and thermal mass.

Select high-performance, high-solar-gain glazing for south-side windows. Add an extra layer of drywall to walls and ceilings for effective, inexpensive thermal mass. And, of course, the house still ...

In a passive solar design, the thermal mass element is what keeps things from swinging widely from hot to cold, during a typical day and night cycle. An example of how it works: Thermal mass is ...

If you're building or renovating, passive solar design can make your house easier to keep comfortable. Our panel of experts tells you more.

In the modern version of passive solar design, the proper use of insulation rounds out the basic principles by improving performance of a passive solar structure.

Passive solar heating systems have been around for centuries, since civilizations adapted the design of dwellings to harness the warmth of the sun.

Solar home: Passive design is easier, more effective than you’d think The renovated Finch home is full of interior light from its southern and eastern exposure — enough light for Bruce the dog ...

Thermal mass, the important component of passive solar design is most commonly used for passive heating though it also can be relied to absorb and dissipate heat for passive cooling.

Passive solar buildings incorporate low-tech solutions, including highly efficient south-facing windows, to strategically capture the sun’s energy in thermal mass — such as heat-absorbing ...

Regular readers will know that we tend to favour simple, non-mechanical methods of green design, like passive solar heating instead of, say, thermal solar collectors with evacuated tubes and pumps ...