The Sun
Heat Storage
Trombe Wall
Trombe Wall Design
Site Selection
House Design
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Copyright 2010 Richard J. Allerton
This is a very simple design to illustrate how a house heated with passive solar energy might work. More windows are built on the South side in order to heat up the living space. The trombe wall and floor mass will be heated by the sun on the first floor. This heat will release later (called thermal lag) to help heat the house at night.
Proper insulation is important throughout the house. Structural support is needed to support the internal mass that exists for heat storage. Floor storage and trombe walls should not be in contact with outside walls or a foundation to prevent heat loss.