Passive solar homes are designed to take advantage of local climates by maximizing the energy from the sun to heat and cool the home. Passive solar design creates an energy efficient, comfortable home that reduces energy consumption that save money as well as valuable resources. In the Southeast, as in all of the northern hemisphere, the sun’s path passes through the southern sky on its daily trip west. Therefore, a passive solar home has the highest percentage of windows on the south side. The sun warms the home in the winter, and shading devices, such as overhangs, are designed to block the sun in the summer months to reduce the amount of cooling necessary. There may be a small increase in the cost of construction, but the lower annual energy and maintenance costs will far outweigh the additional mortgage costs for the home.

There are many benefits to passive solar design for the homeowner and the environment. By reducing energy consumption, the homeowner can save money on utility bills and help prevent air pollution from electricity generating plants that burn fossil fuels. Passive solar design elements make a home comfortable year round while bringing in natural light from the increased glass on the southern side. Natural light reduces energy consumed for lighting and provides a visual connection to the outdoors.

Passive solar design can easily be incorporated into any architectural style given you have the proper site. The design elements have been used effectively for hundreds of years. This book describes the basic fundamentals and components of passive solar design. A collection of passive solar floor plans suited for virtually any location are also included in this book. In addition to passive solar design elements, the plans contain a variety of energy efficient details. They are intended to be affordable homes, as they all have less than 1,300 square feet of floor area.