Passive Solar Heating and Daylighting for Business Owners
Walmart is one of the largest users of daylighting in the world. Daylighting is employed at this Walmart Supercenter in Aurora, Colorado.
The following resources can help you incorporate passive solar heating and daylighting designs into your office or commercial building. If you are unfamiliar with these technologies, see the introduction to passive solar heating and daylighting.
General Information
U.S. Department of Energy Consumer's Guide: Passive Solar Home Design
Can be applied to other buildings as well.
Commercial Buildings Lighting and Daylighting
By integrating natural and energy efficient artificial lighting, building owners can provide proper levels of illumination and reduce energy costs.
Solar Energy for Homes: Passive Solar Design
From the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association.
American Solar Energy Society
Has publications on passive solar design and daylighting, and information on its National Tour of Solar Homes, which is held every October in many communities throughout the United States.
Passive Solar Design Guidelines
From the Sustainable Building Sourcebook.
Evaluation Tools
Energy 10 Software
Energy 10 is a program that helps evaluate energy efficient building features in the very early stages of the design process.
Solar Radiation Data Manual for Buildings
Provides information on solar radiation and illuminance values for windows in many areas across the United States.
Training and Workshops
Solar Energy International
Features information about its hands-on workshops and online courses in solar building technologies.
Financing
U.S. Department of Energy Toolbook for Financing Energy Efficiency and Pollution Prevention Technologies (PDF 58 KB). Download Adobe Reader.
Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy
Provides information on state, local, utility, and selected federal incentives that promote renewable energy.
The Borrowers Guide to Financing Solar Energy Systems (PDF 501 KB) Download Adobe Reader.
