Passive solar principles should be applied to every new home and business constructed in Oregon. If you're thinking about building a new home or building, ask your builder or architect how passive solar principles can save you money and make your dwelling more comfortable. If your building professional doesn't know what passive solar principles are, turn around and run! Their design will cost you in the long run and may also negatively affect your quality of life.

The basic reasoning behind passive solar construction is to design a home that works with the most powerful energy source known - the sun - instead of against it. If you're home isn't a passive solar home you're fighting against the sun all summer and your wasting valuable free energy in the spring, fall, and winter.

Passive solar design principles are not new. they've been around for thousands of years. There are several very good books on the subject:
The Solar House: Passive Heating and Cooling by Daniel D. Chiras
The Passive Solar House by James Kachadorian

Stay tuned to this site as we will have more complete details on passive solar construction and 'net energy homes' in the near future.

Net Energy Homes

Our buildings (architecture) represent one of our largest energy use sectors. This is why 'net-energy' buildings (buildings and homes that offset the energy they use on an annual basis) are so important. This is probably the most exciting trend in the solar industry. The difference with net-energy buildings and traditional architecture is that from start to finish these buildings are bred to be energy thoroughbreds. They're not only highly efficient but they're built with respect to our most powerful source of energy - the sun. Passive solar construction and active solar panels combine to create a home or office that is basically energy self-sufficient - with no loss in amenities.

If you're looking for a new home ask the builder if she offers net-energy homes. If not, shop around. Many progressive builders and architects are designing passive solar homes with net-zero energy as the ultimate goal.