Passive solar house design is the simplest form of sustainable home building. It involves 'passively' capturing the sun's energy to provide warmth to an interior space, and is the most basic and cost-effective form of home energy efficiency. Passive solar house designs generally have large windows on the south side of the dwelling to catch the most sun and deep eaves or overhangs on the other sides to prevent heat leakage during winter months. Building materials should also be chosen with an eye towards thermal mass, which helps store solar energy which can be released at night. The Passive Solar House Design process begins with understanding the sun's movements in relation to the building's residence and orientation. This determines where the windows and other openings should be placed throughout the building, and how sunlight can be best utilized. It's also important to take into account the surrounding geographical features and climate when planning a passive solar home-design, as these can also have a huge impact on the amount of sunlight that reaches the dwelling.Passive Solar House Design Basics
An Active Solar House Plan seeks to make use of extra energy created by solar panels to heat and cool a home. The active solar system is self-contained, meaning it has its own energy storage system. This system is generally connected to the home's electrical grid, and any excess energy produced is used to power the home or sent back to the grid in exchange for credits. Active solar panels can be used in conjunction with other renewable energy systems, such as wind and hydro power, to create a hybrid energy system which is even more efficient. The incorporation of active solar house design features into conventional home designs has shown to reduce energy costs and make homes more efficient. Generally, active solar systems require a larger upfront cost than passive systems, but over a longer period of time the savings and energy efficiency provided results in the active system to become a much better investment. Active Solar House Plan
A Small Solar Cottage House Design requires an intimate knowledge of eco-friendly building and energy-saving strategies. Cottage houses often feature rooftop solar panels which generate energy to power the home, while utilizing thermal mass or natural insulation techniques to help keep the home warm or cool, depending on the season. This reduces energy consumption, but also eliminates the need for air conditioning. The windows of a small solar cottage are usually strategically placed both on the north and south-facing sides of the home, to help capture maximum sunlight in both winter and summer. This ensures adequate warmth throughout the home, and helps reduce energy waste. Small cottages, like any eco-friendly design, should also incorporate the use of sustainably-sourced materials and energy-efficient appliances.Small Solar Cottage House Design
Micro Solar House Design is a great way to get the benefits of solar energy without any of the large upfront costs. By adding in small solar cells and other renewable energy features, such as photovoltaic solar panels, direct solar hot water systems and small wind turbines, a homeowner can produce a substantial amount of his or her own energy. This type of design is ideal for those living in apartments or condos who may not have the room to install larger systems. In addition to powering the home, micro solar house design can also save money on electricity bills. By installing devices that are specifically designed to capture the sun's energy, homeowners may be able to reduce their electricity consumption. Moreover, using renewable energy sources can also help to reduce the amount of carbon emissions released into the atmosphere. Micro Solar House Design
Small Ranch Solar House Plans are a great option for those with limited space who still want to benefit from solar energy. A solar ranch plan typically features an oversized roof, allowing for the installation of multiple photovoltaic (PV) panels. This means a homeowner can maximize the energy acquired from the sun, as well as save money on electricity bills. Ranch-style house plans tend to be one story, making them particularly amenable to solar energy. The large roof makes it easy to install an array of solar cells, as well as piping to help heat water, without making a major alteration to a home. Small ranch solar house plans also help to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, making them an environmentally friendly option for homeowners. Small Ranch Solar House Plans
Desert Solar House Design is a unique form of passive solar architecture stewardship, working to take advantage of the plentiful sunlight available in the desert. Desert solar homes are almost always built in a way that takes into the account the local climate, with thick walls, sun-filtering awnings, and a tight building envelope designed to keep heat inside during winter and out during the summer. Uniquely-shaped roofs, steeples, arches, and domes help to capture the most sun, while planting vegetation all around the exterior walls helps to keep them cool during the hottest parts of summer. Trees can be incorporated to provide even more shade, as well as fill the home with much-needed oxygen and higher levels of humidity. Desert Solar House Design
Mediterranean Solar House Plans are modeled after the traditional building techniques of its namesake region, maximizing light and heat from the sun while minimizing energy consumption. These solar homes usually feature an array of tall windows around the empty sides of the dwelling, to allow sunlight to flow inside, and deep eaves and verandas with high pitched roofs help keep those windows shaded and cool. Contemporary Mediterranean Solar House Plans incorporate a variety of features that reduce energy use, such as insulating walls and roofs, and using high-efficiency lightbulbs and appliances. While these traditional building techniques reduce energy use, they can also create aesthetically pleasing homes, thanks to the timeless look of Mediterranean architecture. Mediterranean Solar House Plans
Small Solar House Strategies are perfect for those looking to shrink their energy consumption and reduce their carbon footprint. These strategies focus on making a house more efficient by using solar panels, conservation measures, and a variety of energy saving appliances. The goal is to reduce the amount of energy used and energy wasted to help cut electricity bills and conserve resources. Small solar house strategies focus on creative solutions such as painting walls and window frames white to maximize solar heat gain, as well as utilizing natural daylighting, using thermal mass, and creating outdoor spaces with shade trees and greenery. Other strategies include insulating all exposed areas, unplugging unused appliances and electronics, and installing energy efficient appliances.Small Solar House Strategies
A Tiny Solar House Plan is a great way to reduce energy use and save costs while living in a small home. It typically incorporates a combined use of passive solar design techniques and active solar energy systems, such as solar panels and solar water heating, to reduce electricity and energy consumption. In order to maximize living space, a tiny solar house typically features high ceilings and large windows that help capture the sun's energy and utilize the home's thermal mass. Furthermore, the home's orientation should be strategically planned to ensure maximum sunlight is captured during the summer months and reduce the impact of cold weather in winter. Tiny Solar House Plan
Small Farmhouse Solar House Plans is a great option for those living in rural areas or small towns and are looking to reduce their electricity bills and live sustainably. These plans often focus on incorporating large windows, thick walls, and other passive solar and energy-saving strategies to create a truly energy-efficient home. Unlike traditional farmhouse designs, small solar farmhouse plans often incorporate sun collecting systems such as solar panels or solar water heaters to help reduce energy costs. And with the use of sustainable materials and energy-efficient appliances, this style of home can help reduce energy consumption and save money over time. Small Farmhouse Solar House Plans