What are the five elements of passive solar design?

The five elements of passive solar design focus on optimizing a building’s ability to collect, store, and distribute solar energy without the need for mechanical systems. The correct choice includes control, aperture, absorber, thermal mass, and distribution system, each playing a vital role in effective passive solar design.

• Control refers to the ability to manipulate various factors within the design to maximize solar gain during winter and minimize it during summer. This can include elements like operable windows and shading devices.

• The aperture is the opening through which solar radiation enters the building, typically represented by windows or skylights that are strategically placed in areas that will harness the sun's energy effectively.

• The absorber is the surface or material that collects solar energy and converts it into heat. This can involve specially designed surfaces that take in sunlight and retain warmth, such as dark-colored materials.

• Thermal mass involves materials that can store heat during the day and release it at night, helping to regulate indoor temperatures. For instance, concrete or stone walls can absorb heat from sunlight and release it slowly when temperatures drop.

• The distribution system refers to how the collected heat is spread throughout the space. This can be through natural airflow, convection, or conduction, allowing for an efficient transfer of heat from the