The Solar House: Passive Heating and Cooling

Prompt shipment

Everyone I talked to stated this as the first book someone should read to come up to speed on passive solar designs. And it is a good overview. But only an overview, providing lots of concept and a few "rules of thumb" only. Taken for what it is, this is a very good introduction to passive solar concepts. You'll have to look elsewhere for more detailed information if you plan to participate in the design phase of a passive solar building, or to learn enough to evaluate another's design. There are a few good references in the book to other materials as well.

About the only fault I can find with this book is that the title doesn't quite match the content. But that's a good thing.Rather than being a guide to passive solar home design, it is instead really a comprehensive guide to energy efficient home design, with passive solar techniques being one of the topics covered.Some of the topics covered in this book include:1). Building techniques for energy efficiency, with an extensive coverage of insulation materials and techniques, including insulation of foundations and slabs.2). Backup (to solar) heating and cooling including discussion of the geothermal heat pump, a technique that provides considerably better energy efficiency than the conventional heat pump, and one that can be used in colder climates where conventional heat pumps are not viable.3). A consideration of health issues associated with all the design alternatives, including such matters as air quality/ventilation techniques, and environmental issues associated with various construction materials such as the different types of insulation.I recently bought another book that was explicitly on the topic of energy efficient home design, but this one covers the subject with more thorough and useful information.I also appreciate that there was little mention of photovoltaics, although the author indicates he does have solar panels in his own home, I interpret his lack of coverage of this technology in the book an indication that he has correctly recognized that they do not make economic or environmental sense at the present time nor in the forseeable future.

My copy of this book is a mess. It has highlighting and notes all throughout the pages and looks well worn even though I've only had the book for a year.When the time came to do some studying on solar design, this was the book that was recommended to me. And for good reason - it packs a wallop and provides SO MUCH great information in its pages. At the time I got the book I was somewhat of a novice to solar building and was concerned that the book would have too much jargon or concepts that I didn't understand, but Chiras does such a great job explaining everything in layman's terms that by the time I finished the book I felt like an expert myself.I HIGHLY recommend this to ANYone looking to building solar/green. I consider it the best of the bunch.

I learned so much from this book when I was designing my house in VT that I was able to design a super energy efficient passive solar heated house in northern VT that uses less heat than the similar sized house in suburban Boston, MA that I previously lived. If you're looking to design and build a new house or retro fit an existing one in a cost effective manner which will let you save a lot of money this book can teach you a lot of what you need to know and is well worth the cost

Good information here, but not much use if you're looking for a general contractor to build your house. Most of them won't understand or won't want to build anything different from what they've built before. If they are willing to try, they will charge you exorbitant rates. If the book gets more folks to request these techniques and designs from builders, then maybe it has a purpose.

When I bought this book, I really did not know much about Solar power and housing. Well, I can say after reading this book, I actually know a lot on said subject. The facts of how to heat and cool passively are amazing.Author in my opinion does good job in organizing contents of book in a way that the reader can read chapter to chapter and actually "get it"

It is obvious the author is quite the expert and the book is well written. I am very interested in the topic and thought I'd consume this book in a weekend. Over a month later I am only 1/2-way through the book, I would rate it higher except it has sooo many details about basic construction and materials that I loose interest. I am a woman and homeowner and by no means an expert, yet am finding the book tedious with basic, non-solar details.

I am sorry, i need to give 4 star for this book. It is a great book. It has useful information how to design house with energy efficient. But, i already ordered this book since may. And taking so long until today just arrive.

Who needs to be a slave to the power companies when you can power your own home to the ways you see fit! Thank you!

Brilliant book , as a builder of 35 years I had to unlearn bad practices and start again. Thank you.

Very basic. I was hoping for more technical details. Still very informative introduction for those considering going solar.

Excellent data and modern references. Good easy to understand descriptions.