Replies

1. 
   calvin | Jun 17, 2010 07:46am | #1

   Solar Key modified.

   True south is not always the proper orientation.  Here in NW Oh, a slight kick to the SE is better at capturing  the most amount of solar gain.

   You need to read up on orientation, then use whatever formula they have for adjusting the direction.

   Then I suppose a compass would work-that's what we used.  What was humorous was that if we had just squared it up with the lot line (were more than ready to not do that) we had the right orientation.

   The other modification is Solar shading during the months you don't want to pick it up.............or in the case of the south, to limit the need for a.c.

   Trees with leaves are natural solar blinds, along with their cooling effect.  Build in the woods on a hill with deciduous trees and you've got a head start.   Using overhangs and window placement, you can further shade the "collectors" when necessary during the late spring, summer and early fall. 

   Prevailing winds.  Another important consideration.  Make your home passively move cooling air.  Come in low-exit high, will move the warmer air out. 

   A tour through the south and looking at home construction from long ago will open your eyes.  Low windows, open center hall to the cupola above on the roof.   Old hotels had inner courtyards that interior rooms windows opened to so the open transoms could bring in air from the hall-pass it through the room and then out and up the open courtyard.

   So grab the new ideas and apply the old-you might get lucky.

2. 
   joeh | Jun 17, 2010 10:59am | #2

   Everything you need is here

   http://www.builditsolar.com/

   http://www.builditsolar.com/SiteSurvey/site_survey.htm

   Joe H

3. 
   gfretwell | Jun 17, 2010 03:33pm | #3

   A stick and 2 rocks.

   Put the stick in the ground. Put one rock at the tip of the shadow. In an hour or two put the other rock at the tip of the shadow.

   Lay the stick next to the rocks. That is east-west.

   Hold one end of the stick on one rock and strike an arc. Repeat on the other rock. A line through the points where the arcs intersect is north-south  Every time.

1. 
   rdesigns | Jun 18, 2010 10:16am | #4

   Magnetic compass declination is usually about 17-19 degrees off to the east, but the high-tech stick and rocks method is always right.

1. 
   Jeff_Clarke | Jul 17, 2010 10:20pm | #5

   Have you ever seen a magnetic declination map (LOL) ???  It depends VERY MUCH on where you live:

   
1. 
   Clewless1 | Jul 19, 2010 08:21am | #7

   It depends VERY MUCH on where you live:

   AND  .... what year you live in ... as it changes from year to year. What was 10 years ago ain't right now.

4. 
   hammer1 | Jul 17, 2010 10:37pm | #6

   Here is another fun way to do it with a stick. Find the times of sunrise and sunset for the day, Put a stick in the ground at mid day. The shadow it casts will be the north south line of declination for your area. Keep the north south line of your building parallel with the shadow for maximum solar gain throughout the year.

5. 
   Clewless1 | Jul 19, 2010 08:27am | #8

   As another illuded to ... due south isn't critical. In some climates more east or west is better. It depends on your local climate and the local site. Plus of minus 15 deg east or west of south is standard tollerance. More if the site/climate has issues. Lots of morning cloudiness during the heating season would make me turn it as much as 15-30 deg to the west.

   Remember, though. Good design is as much about aesthetics and functionality as it is the science of due south. The 70s were filled with designs that analyzed the solar benefits to death and looked like heck and often weren't very pleasant to live in.

   Just make sure you have an eave or other summer protection from what usually is an unwanted summer sun.

   Set some basic science to guide you and then apply plenty of fun, aesthetics and livability to your design.