Passive Solar

heliodonBuildings use over 1/3 of all the energy in the U.S, and the majority of that energy is for cooling, heating, and lighting those buildings. Passive solar design refers to the use of the sun’s energy for the heating and cooling of living spaces by exposure to the sun. Passive solar systems do not involve substantial use of mechanical and electrical devices, such as pumps, fans, or electrical controls to move the solar energy- and active solar is the opposite. 
                                                                                                                                       

                                                                                               Image by : InterNACHI

A great way to understand this concept is using a Helidon, which is the best 3-D method to demonstrate and teach they why and how-to os solar design. This system has seven rings represent the sunpaths for the 21st day of each of the months can be rotated to simulate the time of day 24 hours. In addition, the system can simulate all latitudes from the equator to the poles.  
 Heliodon
Beta nit Heliodon at Southeastern Sustainability Center


To experience in person the Heliodon please visit the sustainability center. Contact us at sustainability@southeastern.edu or 985-549-3333