Passive Solar Design Calculator

Thermal mass and window sizing for passive solar earthen buildings.

Floor area (sq ft)

Latitude (degrees N)

Wall thickness (in)

Heating degree days (HDD)

Tab to move between fields

South glazing (sq ft)

114

Thermal mass (sq ft)627

Wall R-value3.6

Thermal lag (hours)18

Overhang depth (in)24

How to Use This Calculator

Enter Floor Area (sq ft) and your site Latitude (degrees N).
Input Wall Thickness (in) and Heating Degree Days (HDD) for your climate zone.
Set South Glazing (sq ft) and Thermal Mass (sq ft) for the passive solar design.
Enter the Wall R-Value to calculate heat retention.
Review the solar gain and heat loss balance to verify the design meets passive solar guidelines (south glazing ~7-12% of floor area).

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