 |
FAQ: Building Passive Solar Features Into a New Home
| QUESTION: | I am planning to build a new house. How can I make
use of passive solar energy?
|
| ANSWER: | The first thing you should do is to try to
purchase a lot that will allow you to orient your home so one of
the two longest walls faces due south. Then design the house so
that the majority of your windows are on this wall, with large
roof overhangs shielding them from as much summer sun as possible.
This will allow your home to benefit from a maximum amount of
solar gain in winter, when you need it, while limiting solar gain
in summer, when you don't need it. Second, because windows are a very common source of cold air infiltration in winter, limiting the number and size of windows on both the west and north sides will also help enhance comfort and efficiency when the cold winter winds blow. When selecting windows for your home, look for ENERGY STARŪ qualified models. Windows and other appliances and building products that bear the ENERGY STAR label provide the highest level of energy efficiency. Don't forget, when designing your passive solar home, to make sure it is well insulated. A well-insulated building will help block the sun's heat from entering the home in summer and will help keep solar gain and furnace-generated heat inside the home in winter. CWLP electric customers who add above-code insulation in new construction can qualify for our Super-Charged Insulation Rebate. The CWLP Energy Experts offer free technical assistance to our electric customers, including review of and advice regarding your building plans. To take advantage of this free service, contact the Energy Services Office. |
Last updated: 01/12/10