how can building a zero energy home affects on it's exterior?

Question

I'm studying architecture , I have a research about using solar cells in homes, office building , factories .
The research should combine between using solar energy and weather it affects on the shape of the building.

Answer 1

For solar energy (PV cells, Passive or otherwise) orientation and latitude will have an effect on the structure. Latitude will effect:
1.) the the optimum angle the panels will be placed,
2.) Temperature concerns and the seasonal amount of Sun light.
3.) Snow loading and covering of panels. Will you need to use verticle panels to avoid snow coverage at the expense of teh optimum angle.
4.) Average outside temperature will didtate the energy requirements of the home. (Heating vs Cooling vs Lighting)

Energy requirements will dictate the size of the solar panels.
Type of system (PV, Active Hot water, Passive Heating) all have different efficiencies and would require different amounts of surface area.

A Trombe Wall Adds the cost of glass but doesn't provide a view as a stone wall is placed int=front of the glass.

PV electric panels will require some utility space for battery and charger equipment as well as safe storage and easy access for maintenance.

Active Hot water will require additiona utility space for a storage tank and pumps.

Answer 2

General Motors using solar cells on its roof of a large assembly factory in Texas generates enough electricity to power the factory plus sell to the local utility. The key here is large roof area in the shape of building and lots of sunshine to power the cells.

Solar cells in homes have been relatively unsucessful because a home lacks roof area plus a lot of homes are in areas where the sun's angle is very low. So to help this a pitched roof can angle the solar cell by motor to be perpendicular to the suns rays.

Answer 3

i assume you recommend living devoid of the grid, rather than '0 ability', considering the fact that each and every thing you do makes use of ability! If that's what you recommend, then you definately may well be waiting to stay off the grid, yet precise now that's totally high priced and that i'm no longer confident that that's unavoidably the terrific for the ambience. For cooking and water heating you will would desire to pass completely electric or biofuel. Induction cookers are quite useful. For heating and cooling, electric floor source warmth pumps are plenty extra useful than direct heating and insulation is extremely considerable. lighting fixtures would would desire to be flourescent (so called 'ability saving bulbs') you will want lots of electrical energy, and you will supply this your self with image voltaic panels or wind generators. regrettably, maximum micro wind generators are not as much as plenty; in case you reside in a city then interior of sight homes etc will disrupt the windflow and recommend you produce little or no ability. image voltaic panels can produce adequate electrical energy in case you have adequate land or roof to place them on. in case you pick to pass completely off grid then you definately'll want battery banks, yet in particular you're probable terrific off sticking to the grid and advertising your electrical energy to it once you're making plenty and paying for it lower back for the period of the winter. you could probable do it, given adequate land and money, yet i'd verify you seem at it very heavily. I also have a feeling that with modern tech, you would be slicing your harm to the ambience in an fairly high priced way. in case you pick to contemplate CO2 emission decrease value rates consistent with greenback you spent, then you definately're probable extra desirable off making an investment in a business business enterprise that builds massive wind farms. those in many situations produce extra renewable electrical energy consistent with greenback than image voltaic panels do.