Solar Home Construction: Consider The Facts

There are many things to consider with regard to solar home construction, for instance a lot of trees surrounding the lot, although cozy and private, it may actually interfere and block the energy from the sun. On the other hand, to avoid over-heating, glass on the South side of the home should never exceed nine percent of the house's square footage. This percentage general refers to houses with carpet, wood, and vinyl. It makes sense to increase the amount of glass with tile, brick, rock, and adobe walls. For the East and North sides, glass should never go beyond four percent of the house's square footage. Lastly, the West side should never exceed two percent of the total square footage.

When looking at the basics of solar home construction, let's begin with the material needed to build the walls: sill sealer is used on the bottom of outside walls, on the first and second floor. For standard, moderate temperatures, 2X4 frame walls and R-4 insulated boards are used; for a colder environment, 2X6 frames and R-4 insulation is required. It’s important to mention that before installing wall insulation, expanding foam or caulk is used to surround plumbing and electrical configurations. After implementing foam or caulk, a cellulose insulation should be chosen as the preferred method; it’s the best out there because it controls leakage and helps contain the internal environment. Door installation should have steel or fiberglass on the outside (external portion) with a value of R-5.9 or more.

As far as ventilation is concerned, shape the windows to make proper use of natural energy: the right window configuration coupled with ceiling fans can immeasurably reduce the use of air conditioners, which is the point of a solar home. It’s wise to summon a county agent or the state office of energy to give advice on the proper usage of energy. Consider the many intricacies concerning solar construction: namely, efficiency, the right materials, and budget.