In passive solar building design , windows, walls, and floors are made to
collect, store, reflect, and distribute solar energy, in the form of heat in
the winter and reject solar heat in the summer. This is called passive solar
design because, unlike active solar heating systems, it does not involve the
use of mechanical and electrical devices.
The key to designing a passive solar building is to best take advantage of the
local climate performing an accurate site analysis. Elements to be considered
include window placement and size, and glazing type, thermal insulation,
thermal mass, and shading. Passive solar design techniques can be applied most
easily to new buildings, but existing buildings can be adapted or
"retrofitted".
…