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  • - A radical idea to get a high-renewable electric grid

    This is an interesting approach to optaining very high penetration of renewables such as photovoltaics and wind.  At present most large installations operate under Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) wherein the economics are based on a sell all output at predetermined prices. This contrasts with standalone systems wherein the system size Read More
  • - Breakthrough Batteries Powering the Era of Clean Electrification

    - Breakthrough Batteries Powering the Era of Clean Electrification Battery Storage Costs Drop Dramatically, Making Way to a New Era. A recent Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) report continues to confirm that clean electrification through batteries is advancing at impressive rates. Very interesting report: Breakthrough Batteries- Powering the Era of Clean Electrification Read More
  • - Interesting Technology

    An assortment of links to interesting information   Semiconductor Nanowires Could Double the Efficiency of Silicon Solar Cells A p/n semiconductor junction is not the only way of converting sunshine into useful electrical energy.  Light consists of a flow of photons of various energy levels (colors).  See this article-Solar Cells.  Nanowires Read More
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Updated December 29, 2013
 

Solar energy is harnessed, converted and distributed using a range of ever-evolving technologies and strategies. Passive solar energy is characterized by building orientation, strategies that integrate the house with its climatic environment, and materials that have favorable thermal mass.

Although passive solar building principles are based on science and a variety of lessons learned through the years – they aren’t necessarily expensive.  Passive solar construction costs can vary from no additional cost, to a little more than conventional construction to considerably more. Many forms of passive solar energy are economical because of the large savings of utility bills that can be achieved - typically in the 50 percent to 70 percent range.

Unlike “traditional” construction, it takes more thought to design with the sun’s location in mind; however, passive solar features such as additional south-facing windows, added thermal mass, larger roof overhangs, or other shading features can easily pay for themselves. In fact some modest passive solar designs like sun tempering, a design fit for cold climates, can reduce heating costs from 5 percent to 25 percent at no added cost to the construction budget.

Since passive solar designs require substantially less mechanical heating and cooling capacity, costs of the design can be offset by reduced unit size, and by reduced installation, operation, and maintenance costs. Overall, passive solar homes are often less expensive for the homeowner when the lower annual energy and maintenance costs are factored in over the life of the building.

If you are designing a new home, consider passive solar design as it is usually much more cost-effective to reduce energy use with passive solar design than it is to pay for that energy use with other forms of energy (including solar electricity). 

For more information:

Passive Solar Case Study (by U.S. Department of Energy) – General Daylighting

  • Daylighting—the use of windows or skylights for natural lighting and temperature regulation—is one passive solar building strategy that can save money for homeowners and businesses.

Passive Solar Case Study (by Homes Across America Program) -- Harmony Home, Flagstaff, AZ (Cost -- $200 per square foot)

  • Orientation for Solar Energy Systems: The home was oriented to capture maximum solar gain to the south while maintaining views to the north.
  • Orientation for Daylighting: The orientation of this single-story home with the long edge toward south and careful placement of rooms (with eastern windows) within provides ample daylighting throughout. The daylighting requirements are practically zero during daylight hours.
  • Window Sizing, Location and Shading: A conflict between solar gain to the south and great views to the north was overcome with design, which carefully placed rooms to ensure all had a view as well as solar exposure. Maximum windows were installed on the southern side of the home. Windows on the north were minimized but placement allows the view to be seen from any point in a room. A roof overhang was selected to block excessive summer sun from the windows, while allowing winter sun to enter the home.
  • Thermal Mass: Heat radiates from the colored concrete floors (with tile inlay), which provide thermal mass to complete the passive solar design.

Passive Solar Case Study (by Homes Across America Program) – Hopi Nation Straw Bale House, Hotevilla, AZ (Cost -- $60 per square foot)

  • Straw Bale: An affordable and energy-efficient building material.
  • Thermal Mass: A radiant floor heating system in the slab is augmented by passive solar. The slab acts as a thermal mass.

Passive Solar Case Study (by Homes Across America Program) – Southwest Solar, Prescott, AZ (Cost -- $175 per square foot)

  • Building Envelope: This home/office was built into the hillside and uses the earth to insulate against heat and cold. A well-insulated roof reduces heating in summer while conserving heat in the winter.
  • Thermal Mass: The passive/active space heating and cooling utilizes 300 tons of building mass as heat/cool storage. The mass is created using poured earth walls that utilize local soils.
  • Attached Solar Greenhouse: A solar greenhouse heats the main living area from below while providing an environment for growing food.

Passive Solar Case Study (by Homes Across America Program) – The S.E.E.D. (The Super Energy Efficient Design) Home, Tucson, AZ (Cost -- $150 per square foot)

  • Structural Framing: Exterior walls and roof are made of polyurethane foam core SIPS (structural insulated panels). This allows for solid and continuous foam core resulting in an R34 exterior wall. The roof is an R41.
  • Roof: Standard Built Up Roofing system with Energy Star rated white roof coating.

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  • Welcome to the Arizona Solar Center

     This is your source for solar and renewable energy information in Arizona. Explore various technologies, including photovoltaics, solar water heating, solar architecture, solar cooking and wind power. Keep up to date on the latest industry news. Follow relevant lectures, expositions and tours. Whether you are a homeowner looking to become more energy efficient, a student learning the science behind the technologies or an industry professional, you will find valuable information here.
  • About The Arizona Solar Center

    About The Arizona Solar Center Arizona Solar Center Mission- The mission of the Arizona Solar Center is to enhance the utilization of renewable energy, educate Arizona's residents on solar technology developments, support commerce and industry in the development of solar and other sustainable technologies and coordinate these efforts throughout the state of Arizona. About the Arizona Solar Center- The Arizona Solar Center (AzSC) provides a broad-based understanding of solar energy, especially as it pertains to Arizona. Registered Read More
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