15 Jul 2023
Solar architecture is a branch of building that uses solar radiation as a source of energy for heating and lighting. At the core of solar architecture is the vision of sustainable living and a commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of buildings.
Solar architecture is a branch of building that uses solar radiation as a source of energy for heating and lighting. At the core of solar architecture is the vision of sustainable living and a commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of buildings.
By using solar energy as a primary resource, architects can significantly reduce or even eliminate the reliance on non-renewable energy sources. This shift towards sustainable energy mitigates the environmental impact of buildings and helps combat climate change.
Why solar energy?
Solar energy is essential and beneficial for the following reason.
It is free and directly available in nature.
It is clean, with zero impact on the environment.
It is unlimited; solar energy is viewed as inexhaustible based on the concept of flow rather than stock. This means that the use of solar energy in the present doesn't suggest a decrease in its future accessibility in terms of flow.
Directly or indirectly, all energy sources derive from solar activity; without it, life wouldn't exist on our planet.
Active and Passive Systems in the building industry
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Based on how solar energy is exploited, we can distinguish two kinds of systems: active and passive.
Active solar systems comprise technological systems that capture and transform solar energy for use in the house.
Solar panels, also called photovoltaic panels, are the most recognizable active solar architecture. These panels consist of interconnected solar cells that convert sunlight directly into electricity.
By installing solar panels on rooftops or exteriors, buildings can generate clean, environmentally friendly energy to power their electrical systems.
Excess energy could be fed back into the grid, contributing sustainably to the nearby energy supply.
Passive solar systems do not include any technological systems but exploit solar energy through the appropriate direction of the building towards the sun, its development, shape, materials, and construction methods.
The purpose of a passive system is to give the building as much solar energy as possible in the cold season and to keep it from overheating in the hot season.
In passive systems, the uptake is distinguished by "direct" and "indirect" gains.
Large south-facing windows are the simplest form of "direct inactive" solar energy gain. Solar radiation, therefore, enters through the windows and falls on objects and surfaces that heat up inside.
A part of the radiation is reflected from its surface and hits other things and surfaces, and from that point, the process is repeated.
The "indirect passive" system consists of a solar wall formed by a glass surface and a massive 10-20 cm thick storage wall behind it. The heat collected by the wall is then returned to the internal environment by convection and radiation.
The wall's outer layer is usually dark to facilitate the accumulation of energy. If the wall has openings for air circulation, heat distribution to the internal environment also happens directly by natural convection.
In passive systems, the transition starts after the end of solar radiation, when the accumulated temperature is higher than that of indoor air. In this way, the heat amassed during the day stays accessible at night, around evening time, and during bad weather days. Excess heat can be vented out when the outside air isn't excessively hot.
Regardless, both active and passive systems contribute to characterizing the architecture and design of a building. Everything relies upon the architects' skill; their task should be to complete an integrated design and bring to light sustainable buildings that enhance the environment and the structure itself.
Realizing sustainable structures
Solar architecture is not just a theoretical concept; many projects worldwide have implemented this practical approach. Designers, architects, and engineers are actively working towards realizing sustainable structures that harness the power to create energy-efficient and environmentally conscious buildings.
Here are some examples of solar architecture in practice.
Residential solar architecture
Solar architecture finds broad application in residential settings. Homeowners can incorporate solar panels on rooftops, design passive solar homes with optimal orientation, and use solar water heaters for domestic purposes.
These initiatives reduce energy bills and offer a sense of self-adequacy and environmental responsibility.
Commercial solar architecture
Solar architecture is gaining momentum in the commercial sector as organizations recognize the economic and environmental advantages it offers.
From solar-powered places of business to solar-powered clad warehouses, companies can embrace sustainable practices while simultaneously reducing their carbon footprint and operating costs.
Solar Architecture in urban planning
Urban planning plays an essential role in the widespread adoption of solar architecture. By integrating solar energy systems into city designs, urban planners can create sustainable communities that produce their own electricity and promote a cleaner environment.
Public buildings, such as libraries, community centers, and schools, can be designed with solar panels on their rooftops. These buildings become sustainable hubs, generating clean energy and serving as educational platforms for the community.
Using solar architecture in urban planning, cities can become more self-sufficient and reduce their use of non-renewable energy sources.
Conclusion
Solar architecture represents a paradigm shift in the fields of design and construction. By harnessing the sun's power, architects can create sustainable, energy-efficient designs that reduce environmental impact and pave the way for a greener future.
Embracing solar design principles helps the environment, offers economic advantages, and creates a sense of obligation toward a sustainable world.