Site Selection

The selection of a building site is very important for a solar heated home or building. Windows that face South will need to be able to have direct, solar gain enter the windows for most of the day.

You will need to inspect the building site with a compass to determine if the Southern direction is free of conifers (pine trees), buildings, walls, hills or anything that would block sunlight from entering windows in the Winter.

Ground should be level or slope to the South. Ground should be free of buildings, walls and pine trees. Deciduous trees (with leaves) may be OK. These trees provide shade in the Summer and will allow the sun’s rays to penetrate after the leaves fall off. Remember, some of these trees do not drop their leaves until late in the Fall. Use your judgement!