Passive solar gain

South-facing Passive Houses are also solar houses. Efficiency potentials having been exploited, the passive gain of incoming solar energy through glazing dimensioned to provide sufficient daylight covers about 40% of the minimized heat losses of the house. To achieve this, the – in most cases newly developed – windows have low-emissivity triple glazing and superinsulated frames. These let in more solar heat than they lose. The benefit is enhanced if the main glazing areas are oriented to the south and are not shaded.

Superinsulation

Passive houses have an exceptionally good thermal envelope, preventing thermal bridging and air leakage. To be able to dispense with an active heating system while maintaining high levels of occupant comfort, it is essential to observe certain minimum requirements upon insulation quality.

Components