There are five main components to a passive solar home:
1. Windows – Oriented to the south, with glass that lets heat in but doesn’t let heat out!
2. Shading devices – Shading devices allow for full sun on the windows in the winter and full shading on them in summer.
3. Absorption surface – This should be a dark color for maximum absorption.
4. Thermal mass – In this case, a radiant concrete flooring / heating system.
5. Distribution system – A heat recovery ventilator (HRV) helps to distribute the solar heat throughout the house.