Solar Thermal Space Heating

Solar space heating systems include Trombe, Earth-sheltered and Envelope design variants. Many homes and other structures have been designed and built upon these models, some of which have proven the design concepts, and justified their value, over more than 40 years. The better designs often include extraordinary degrees of insulation and energy-conserving lights, appliances and water-restricting plumbing fixtures. Few have approached net-zero energy consumption, the minimum standard of performance for NPT structures, but some have come close.

One recent and interesting solar district heating project, Drake Landing, was built in Canada about 150 miles due north of Montana’s Glacier National Park. This project embodies some cutting edge concepts to reduce fossil fuel dependence and greenhouse gas emissions, and to supply 90% of each home’s space heating requirements from solar energy.

The basic concept possesses significant merit and hints at efficiencies which are possible under more favorable conditions and utilizing more aggressive designs.