Passive Solar Heating and Daylighting for Homeowners
![Photo of the inside of a house.](images/photo_08890.jpg)
This home's passive solar design features direct gain heating and clerestory windows for daylighting.
The following resources will help you incorporate passive solar heating and daylighting designs into your home. If you are unfamiliar with these technologies, see the introduction to passive solar heating and daylighting.
General Information
U.S. Department of Energy Consumer's Guide: Passive Solar Home Design
Features comprehensive basic information and resources.
Solar Energy for Homes: Passive Solar Design
From the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association.
American Solar Energy Society
Has publications on passive solar design and daylighting, and information on its National Tour of Solar Homes, which is held every October in many communities throughout the United States.
Passive Solar Design Guidelines
From the Sustainable Building Sourcebook.
Zero Energy Homes
Zero energy homes are designed to generate as much energy as they consume over the course of a year. Learn how they incorporate passive solar features and other methods to save energy and money, and read a brochure about a zero energy home that generated more energy than it consumed over a 12-month period (PDF 725 KB). Download Adobe Reader.
Evaluation Tools
Solar Radiation Data Manual for Buildings
Provides information on solar radiation and illuminance values for windows in many areas across the United States.
Energy 10 Software
Energy 10 is a program that helps evaluate energy efficient building features in the very early stages of the design process.
Training and Workshops
Solar Energy International
Features information about its hands-on workshops and online courses in solar building technologies.
Financing
Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy
Provides information on state, local, utility, and selected federal incentives that promote renewable energy.
The Borrowers Guide to Financing Solar Energy Systems (PDF 501 KB) Download Adobe Reader.