Throughout history, cultures around the world have used free solar energy to heat and light their homes.  By using the sun's energy in modern buildings, we can continue to tap this environmentally friendly resource. Even in Oregon, there is enough sunshine to meet up to half of our heating needs -- if we design our homes to collect the sun’s heat passively. 

Passive solar design reduces our energy costs and the harmful environmental impacts of other energy sources.  There are many ways to use passive solar design to make the home more efficient and comfortable. The basic principle is to collect sunlight in winter and block it in summer. This can be done through a combination of passive solar design, proper orientation, summer shading, and thermal mass to control air temperature and improve the energy efficiency of the home.

A passive solar home is designed to collect or deflect heat and promote natural air circulation with proper orientation of windows and home, insulation and summer shading, and sufficient thermal mass.  Moreover, using the home in a manner that takes into account the whole home will further increase the efficiency and comfort of the home year round.

There are many specific passive solar home design elements that will improve the comfort and energy efficiency of the whole home year round.