solar gain
Sun's thermal contribution
Solar gain is the increase in temperature that results from sunlight entering a space, particularly through windows.
In architecture and building design, solar gain is a central consideration—desirable in cold climates for passive heating, problematic in warm climates where it increases cooling costs.
South-facing windows maximize solar gain in winter.
- thermal massMaterial storing thermal energy
- sunlightRadiance from our star
- glazingGlossy protective coating
- fenestrationPlacement of openings
- insolationSolar radiation received
heat retention · south facing · radiant heat · sun · daylighting · heat · clerestory · emissivity · heat transfer · windows · infrared radiation · aperture · direct sunlight · summer · heat island · exposure · equinox · radiant
- solar heatsunshine, warmth, sunlight, radiant heat, infrared radiation
- passive designthermal mass, daylighting, cross-ventilation, natural ventilation, overhangs
- Solar Designphotovoltaic, south-facing windows, daylighting, sunspace
- solar heatingabsorber, glazing, collectors, south-facing windows, sun rooms
- Glass Architectureglass walls, glass facades, glass towers, curtain walls, glass panels
- insulationfiberglass, mineral wool, foam, cellulose, rock wool
gain, solar, gainful, sol, solarize, solarization, solarized, solarizing