What are the Advantages of Passive Solar?
Annual Energy Costs
Passive solar design principles take advantage of the sun's energy for solar heating and lighting resulting in highly energy efficient buildings that require very little additional energy for heating and cooling.
During its first years of operation, monitoring was an important aspect of tracking energy use at the Vashon Dental Clinic, a Design Northwest earth sheltered passive solar building. The 2600 square foot clinic portion of the building required an annual expenditure of only $70 for supplemental heating and cooling. Adjusted for today's cost of electricity, that amounts to a total annual cost for heating and cooling of $130.
Low Maintenance Costs
Conventionally constructed wood structures require periodic expensive exterior maintenance to protect them from the elements and possible eventual structural damage. Earth sheltered passive solar buildings have greatly reduced maintenance requirements and increased longevity by the nature of their design.
The durable exterior walls constructed of concrete or other masonry materials are largely protected from the elements by the earth sheltering of the structure. The exterior maintenance costs of an earth sheltered passive solar building are negligible compared to a conventional building. Low maintenance cost and durability have proven to be the case beginning with our early earth sheltered passive solar buildings dating from the 1980's.
Stable Temperature
Due to the thermal mass inherent in the design, as well as reduced air infiltration, a result of earth sheltering, temperature swings are minimized. The temperature of the internal spaces remains stable, increasing the occupant's comfort.
Light and Airy
The intent of passive solar design is to flood the building with natural light. If anything, an earth sheltered passive solar building is brighter, more airy and spacious feeling than a conventional structure. Careful placement of window wells on the earth sheltered sides ensures that abundant natural daylight enters all sides of the building.
Noise Insulation
An additional advantage of earth sheltering the building is the substantial quieting of the interior. Soil provides effective acoustic protection against unwanted outside noise. The offices of Design Northwest are located adjacent to a busy highway, but because the side of the building facing the road is earth sheltered, noise from passing traffic goes completely unnoticed. The experience of privacy for the dwelling's occupants is greatly enhanced.
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