What is passive solar design?

Passive solar design focuses on utilizing the natural energy from the sun to help regulate indoor temperatures without the need for mechanical heating or cooling systems. This approach relies on the careful orientation of buildings, the use of appropriate materials, and strategic architectural features such as large windows, thermal mass, and insulation to capture, store, and distribute solar energy.

For instance, large south-facing windows can allow sunlight to enter during winter months to provide warmth, while overhangs can shade those windows in the summer to keep indoor spaces cooler. The integration of natural elements not only makes the building more energy efficient but also reduces reliance on fossil fuels and decreases greenhouse gas emissions.

The other choices highlight methods that either depend on mechanical systems or fossil fuels, which do not align with the principles of passive solar design. This makes the understanding of passive solar design essential for sustainable architecture and energy management in buildings.