Passive Solar Part #2

Yesterday we talked about direct gain passive solar. There are other passive solar design methods such as indirect gain or isolated passive solar. These systems are not as practical and are more expensive to implement. Other systems that incorporate convection air flow from conditioned to uncoditioned spaces are not allowed by many current building or fire codes.  For this reason, we are not going to spend a bunch of time on the passsive systems not likley to be implemented.

Isolated Passive Solar. An isolated passive solar system is a one or two story solar sunroom that is attached to the south facing portion of the home. This method is a very expensive, less efficent way to implement passive solar for a new home, unless you happen to just want a one or two story sunroom. The solar sunroom may be an excellent way to modify an existing structure that is south facing but was not solar designed.

Solar sunrooms are great for growing plants and vegetables. Just like with the direct gain passive solar, the isolated passive solar utilizes thermal mass to store heat as well. In addition to tile or brick, the thermal mass might include a small hot tub, pool or spool.

Windows can be opend on both floors to create the circulation. Hot air rises and will come into the bedrooms. Cold air falls down to the first floor and out the window. In an extreme cold climate like Minnesota, this will only work in the spring and fall.