Metateps

Passive solar design is a method of heating and lighting a space with the least input from the grid. Here are the major parts of the solar design puzzle:

South-facing windows. These should allow low-angled winter sun to enter. The sunlight is converted into heat and stored in a thermal mass.

Thermal mass. This is heat-absorbing material in walls (known as Trombe walls), floors, and ceilings, and includes brick, stone, concrete, drywall, tile, and earth materials. The function of thermal mass is to convert sunlight to heat, radiate that warmth, and store excess heat for later use (to keep you warm all night long).

Overhangs. Overhangs regulate solar gain. As we all know, the angle of the sun relative to the earth changes. It's greatest in summer and lowest in winter. The overhangs (the eaves) control how much sun gets into the house by shading windows and walls from the high-angled summer sun. As the angle of the sun gets lower in winter, more sunlight gets inside, making more heat.

Insulation and window coverings. These should form an uninterrupted layer through walls, ceiling, foundation, and over windows and skylights. This insulation layer will keep warmth inside during the winter, and heat