The principles of passive solar design for a comfortable energy efficient house can be summarised very simply:
• INSULATE: Use insulation to slow the flow of heat in and out of the house – heat from the sun is used more effectively in houses that are well-insulated. Insulation helps to maintain more constant internal temperatures and reduces the need for heating in winter and cooling in summer.
• GLAZE: Use glazing to bring heat from the sun into the house – though glass must be selected, placed and sized carefully as it is a poor insulator (windows should be double glazed as a minimum to reduce heat loss).
• ADD THERMAL MASS: Use heavyweight materials such as concrete (thermal mass) to soak up heat from the sun and release it slowly into the house when temperatures drop. A house with appropriate mass will maintain more comfortable temperatures – it will overheat less often and not get as cold overnight.
This article is a fantastic read and will give you a real insight in to harnessing the huge passive solar energy we have in New Zealand and what you need to do when installing a solar system for the home.