Passive Solar Home Project: Passive Solar homes take advantage of “free” energy from
the sun. You will build a house that maximizes the use of sunlight for heat and light.

Each student will be responsible for contributing to the concept, design,
research and supplies needed to complete the passive solar home. Additionally
you will submit an independent lab report written entirely by you alone.

You will construct a home using new and reused (recycled) materials.

Your group will maintain a budget of all supplies. Your group will start with a
$500 budget. All items used must be listed on the budget even if it is free. All
students must participate in maintaining the budget.
Timeline:
Day 1: Introduction to project, Group assignment, Research.
Day 2: Bring in 1 recycled item per group.
Day 3: Research & Planning,
Day 4: Construction, Purchase from Junkyard and Construction
Day 5: Construction, Purchase from Junkyard and Construction
Day 6: Construction, Pre-test, Modifications
Day 7: Construction,
Day 8: Test day. (5/25)
Lab report due Wednesday 5/31
What to do first?
Read the Solar home rubric, Budget and purchase section, research section, lab
report section and Rubric section. Assign all students in the group a part to
answer from the research and information sheet. The information is then to be
shared with the group. Assign each member of the group materials to bring in
from home.
Research: – Answer the following questions.
1. What do passive solar home look like? (Find pictures)
2. What time and day are you testing your home. (Season, Month,Time)
3. Define altitude and azimuth. (Where is the sun that day?)
4. Describe the effect of Altitude and Azimuth on heating your home due to direct and
indirect sunlight. ((uestion #2 and #3)
5. How do you build windows and skylights to maximize direct sunlight.
6. How is heat transferred through conduction, convection and radiation? (see question 12)
7. Define absorption and reflection.
8. Which colors/materials are good at reflection and absorbtion? (poor?)
9. Define greenhouse effect.
10. Describe how a greenhouse lets energy in but prevents heat from leaving. (solar
radiation VS thermal Radiation) What are you going to have in your home to convert the
solar radiation to Thermal radiation?
11. Everyone must answer this question: How do you plan to prevent heat loss from
Convection? Conduction? Radiation?
Building and Testing the Solar Home:
 You may not monopolize general classroom materials.
 You may bring in your own materials. Each student may bring in 2 items that will be
for your group only, though you may share if you want. Mr. Gandelman will make the
decision if its recycled or not. Materials may be brought in on Thursday 5/11, You
will have a second and last chance on Friday 5/12.

Your House will be placed outside in the courtyard on Thursday 5/25 at your class
time RAIN OR SHINE. If there is enough light to see your house there is
enough light to heat your house.
Report
Each student is responsible for submitting an independent lab report. Submit a
completed report on graph paper on Wednesday 5/31. If for any reason you are unable
to submit on you may submit one day late without penalty on Thursday 6/1. The last
day to submit the report is Friday 6/2 which will earn half credit. No reports will be
accepted after this date for any reason.
Lab report Instructions: (entire report is 60 pts /125 pts)
Problem: How to build a passive solar home and test its efficiency?
Observations
1. List ambient temperature and temperature inside home on day of testing.
2. Diagram of home Must use ruler and label parts.
 List all the materials you used for the house and indicate if it was recycled or not.
 Must be on graph paper. May cut and paste.
3. Attach your individual budget sheet - List of items purchased in house.
Conclusion:
1. What items were you responsible for researching and to bring in from home?
2. What is one item that was changed between planning the house and actually
building the house?
3. What are 2 items you would change in the home to make it better?
4. (essay 1-3 paragraphs: 30 pts) How does a solar home maximize the use of sunlight
for heat and light. How did you plan to prevent heat loss from Convection,
Conduction & Radiation? How did this direct you to specific materials used and
the design of your house.