It may be possible to utilize a large amount of "free' energy, supplied by the Sun, which could power a number of devices. Controlled properly, energy from the Sun may reduce heating loads, decrease artificial lighting requirements and minimize cooling energy. However, the Sun also has the potential to hinder the energy performance of a building. Losses due to poor ventiation, inefficient materials and poor design may waste a large portion of energy. The data discussed below will aid in the decision making process regarding building retrofits and redesign.

General Data[edit | edit source]

General Information

  • Shading devices (existence, internal, external, shading coefficient)
    • Devices include:
    • louvers
    • reflective materials
    • diffusing materials
    • shades and drapes
    • awnings
    • blinds
    • overhangs/balconies
  • Building orientation (compass directions, Azimuth) <-
  • Absorption minimizing paints/coatings (condition, existence, age, emissivity)
  • Sheathing (existence, ventilation)
  • Attic ventilation (louvers, fans, inlet and outlet vents)
  • Vegetation shading

Glazing

  • Reflective and absorptive properties
  • Opening mechanism (sealing properties)
  • Optical properties
  • Film treatments (solar control films)
  • cumulative area

Daylighting

  • Building usage (office, sales, etc.)
  • Skylights (existence, location relative to Sun, number, material, size to ceiling height ratio, slope of installation, configuration, sealing/water leakage prevention)
  • Illuminated surface area
  • Skylight frame gutters (existence)
  • Diffuser (existence, milky/prismatic)
  • Light pipes (existence, orientation, length-to-width ratio)
  • Sun tracker (existence, control)

Passive Solar Heating

  • Room blinds (use, operation)
  • Solar absorbers and reflectors (existence, condition)
  • BTU/square metre/day heat loss (from windows)
  • Glazed enclosures (existence, venting, cooling, insulation, use)
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Authors Connor Kemp
License CC-BY-SA-3.0
Language English (en)
Related 0 subpages, 1 pages link here
Impact 15 page views (more)
Created May 20, 2010 by Connor Kemp
Last modified February 13, 2023 by Felipe Schenone
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