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Trends in observable passive solar design strategies for existing homes in the U.S

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  • Kruzner, Kelly
  • Cox, Kristin
  • Machmer, Brian
  • Klotz, Leidy

Abstract

Passive design strategies are among the most cost-effective methods to reduce energy consumption in buildings. However, the prevalence of these strategies in existing U.S. homes is not well understood. To help address this issue, this research evaluated a nationally-representative sample of 1000 existing homes distributed geographically across the U.S. Using satellite images, each building was evaluated for three passive design strategies: orientation, roof color, and level of shading. Several statistically significant regional trends were identified. For example, existing homes in the High Plains, Ohio Valley, Northwest, and Southern regions show a statistically significant trend towards orientation in the East–West direction, an effective passive design strategy. Less intuitively, in terms of what would seem to be optimal passive design, buildings in the High Plains and Ohio Valley generally have lighter roof colors than buildings in the warmer Southwest region. At the national level, no statistically significant trends were found towards the passive design strategies evaluated. These trends give us no reason to believe they were a major consideration in the design of existing homes. Policy measures and education may be required to take advantage of the opportunity for cost-effective energy savings through more widespread passive solar design.

Suggested Citation

  • Kruzner, Kelly & Cox, Kristin & Machmer, Brian & Klotz, Leidy, 2013. "Trends in observable passive solar design strategies for existing homes in the U.S," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 55(C), pages 82-94.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:55:y:2013:i:c:p:82-94
    DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2012.10.071
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Akbari, H & Konopacki, S & Pomerantz, M, 1999. "Cooling energy savings potential of reflective roofs for residential and commercial buildings in the United States," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 24(5), pages 391-407.
    2. Morrissey, J. & Moore, T. & Horne, R.E., 2011. "Affordable passive solar design in a temperate climate: An experiment in residential building orientation," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 36(2), pages 568-577.
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    1. Hawks, M.A. & Cho, S., 2024. "Review and analysis of current solutions and trends for zero energy building (ZEB) thermal systems," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 189(PB).
    2. Mishra, Pulak & Behera, Bhagirath, 2016. "Socio-economic and environmental implications of solar electrification: Experience of rural Odisha," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 56(C), pages 953-964.
    3. Chen, Xi & Yang, Hongxing & Lu, Lin, 2015. "A comprehensive review on passive design approaches in green building rating tools," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 50(C), pages 1425-1436.
    4. Li, Xuesong & Li, Hao & Wang, Xingwu, 2013. "Farmers' willingness to convert traditional houses to solar houses in rural areas: A survey of 465 households in Chongqing, China," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 63(C), pages 882-886.

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