Passive Solar Shading

Background:

Passive solar shading has become a common addition to both housing and commercial buildings as a part of a retrofit or in new construction. It is relatively inexpensive and creates cost savings in heating and cooling. The shades are designed to block summer sun from entering a building, while allowing winter sun to not only enter the building but to warm a thermal mass that can reradiate for many hours after. Strategies such as overhangs, vegetative shading, brise-soleil systems, and high-performance glazing can reduce heat gain in buildings during higher temperatures.

Passive solar shading is different depending on building orientation, window area distribution between the different faces of the building, and climate. It also requires the presence of an internal thermal mass that can be heated by the direct sun. This thermal mass can be concrete, stone, water, or other material that can store heat. The thermal mass not only stores heat but reduces temperature swings throughout the day.