How can you use solar power to design buildings that are accessible to all?

2 How to plan for solar power design?

Before you start designing or retrofitting your building with solar power, it's important to do some research and planning. You should assess your site and climate to determine the optimal size, location, and type of solar energy systems and passive solar strategies for your building. Additionally, evaluate your energy needs and goals to set realistic and achievable targets and budgets. Furthermore, consult with experts and authorities for advice on the design, installation, and maintenance of your solar power systems. Lastly, check with local authorities about regulations, permits, incentives, or grid connections that may apply to your project.

4 How to use passive solar strategies?

Passive solar strategies are design techniques that use the natural characteristics of the sun and the environment to regulate the indoor temperature and lighting of your building. These strategies do not require any mechanical or electrical components, but rather depend on the orientation, shape, size, and materials of your building. Orientation is key; in the northern hemisphere, for example, your building should have more windows and openings on the south side, and fewer on the north side. Additionally, shading with elements such as overhangs or trees can reduce heat gain and glare from the sun in summer, while insulation with materials like foam or fiberglass can maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the year. Ventilation with openings like windows or skylights can improve air quality and humidity, while thermal mass with materials like concrete or brick can store and release heat from the sun or environment. All of these passive solar strategies can help you regulate indoor temperature without any mechanical or electrical components.

5 How to design for accessibility?

Accessibility is the degree to which a building or a space can be used by people with diverse needs and preferences, including those with disabilities, the elderly, children, and pregnant women. It is not only a matter of human rights and social justice, but also a way to improve the functionality and usability of your building. Designing for accessibility can increase safety and security by minimizing the risks of accidents or emergencies, expand comfort and convenience by providing features that suit your abilities and preferences, and boost productivity and creativity by enabling you to perform tasks more easily. To design for accessibility, you need to consider aspects such as mobility, sensory, and cognitive. For instance, solar power can be used to provide features such as ramps, elevators, automatic doors, sound systems, tactile signs, ventilation systems, color codes, symbols, or feedback systems that can accommodate people with different levels of physical ability or mobility aids, sensory ability or assistive devices, or cognitive ability or learning styles.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?