Passive Solar Systems:
A building design system utilizing the sun and other elements for enhanced climatic year round indoor comfort without the use of active machinery.

By properly orienting the building & windows, adding thermal mass, analyzing sun angles to determine overhang sizes and locations, and adding night insulation; the use of solar energy can greatly decrease the need for mechanical heating and cooling systems, thus greatly reducing energy costs.

By balancing room volume, south facing glass, and thermal mass, the sun's energy benefits are maximized without the use of mechanics, machines, or electronics.

There are three main methods to utilize passive solar heating: direct gain, trombe wall, or green house strategies that can be mixed depending on circumstances.

Depending on the climate or site conditions, it may be necessary to combine passive solar with backup systems in order to achieve effective and flexible heating and cooling.