The Passive Solar Design and Construction Handbook

The only complete guide to passive solar design and construction The Passive Solar Design and Construction Handbook is an unbeatable guide for architects and building contractors who want to satisfy the growing demand for passive solar residential design. A complete revision of the bible of passive solar design originally published by the U.S. Department of Energy, this is the only comprehensive guide to adapting standard building practices to current passive solar applications. It supplies detailed, step-by-step information on all practical aspects of passive solar design and construction and fills you in on all the latest advances in materials and building techniques—including the most recent findings on material and assembly performance. You'll also find the latest techniques for computer simulation and energy analysis. This timely and informative book: Reviews passive solar design principles Discusses the unique design opportunities inherent in passive solar homes Describes the various solar home types Introduces the principles of "whole-house" design Includes more than 300 illustrations, complete construction details and notes, and dozens of helpful case studies Explores important regional issues, such as termite shields, pressure treating wood, attic ventilation, and special structural requirements in seismic areas. For building contractors, architects, and anyone interested in state-of-the-art passive solar construction, The Passive Solar Design and Construction Handbook saves hours of research and provides the complete, authoritative, up-to-date information that professionals need to take on a challenging job with confidence.