BRE IP5/01 PDF

Introduction

Solar energy in its various forms is potentially the most important renewable energy source in Europe. The following can all make important contributions in buildings:

• Passive solar, where the form, fabric and systems of a building are designed and arranged to capture and use solar energy

• Active solar thermal, using solar collectors with pumps or fans to provide water or space heating

• Photovoltaic systems, with solar cells to convert sunlight into electricity

• Daylight, using natural light to reduce the building's dependence on electric light

• Passive cooling, for example use of the sun's warmth to enhance the stack effect, creating air flows to ventilate buildings as the warm air rises

The exploitation of solar energy in urban areas can encounter special problems:

• Obstructions, mainly other buildings, can reduce the solar gain received.

• The layout of the site may restrict the orientation of the solar collector(s).

• Soiling by the dirty urban atmosphere may reduce the efficiency of the solar collector(s).

• Pollution in the atmosphere itself may reduce the radiation reaching ground level.