Earth Sheltered Solar House Plans

Earth Sheltered Solar House Plans: A Comprehensive Guide

Earth sheltered solar houses are a unique and efficient type of home that combines the benefits of passive solar design with the insulating properties of the earth. These homes are built into the ground, with only a portion of the home exposed above the surface. This design helps to regulate the temperature inside the home, keeping it cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Additionally, earth sheltered solar homes are more energy efficient than traditional homes, as they require less heating and cooling.

If you are considering building an earth sheltered solar home, there are a few essential aspects that you need to keep in mind. These include:

1. Site Selection

The first step in building an earth sheltered solar home is to select the right site. The site should be well-drained and have a southern exposure. This will ensure that your home receives maximum sunlight, which is essential for passive solar heating.

2. Design

The design of your earth sheltered solar home will depend on a number of factors, including the size of your family, your lifestyle, and the climate in your area. However, there are some general design principles that you should keep in mind. These include:

The home should be oriented to the south to maximize sunlight exposure.
The windows should be placed on the south side of the home to allow for passive solar heating.
The home should be well-insulated to minimize heat loss.
The home should have a thermal mass to store heat from the sun.

3. Construction

The construction of an earth sheltered solar home is similar to the construction of a traditional home. However, there are a few key differences. These include:

The foundation of the home must be strong enough to support the weight of the earth.
The walls of the home must be insulated to minimize heat loss.
The roof of the home must be sloped to allow for drainage.

4. Landscaping

The landscaping around your earth sheltered solar home can help to improve its energy efficiency. By planting trees and shrubs around the home, you can create a windbreak that will help to reduce heat loss. You can also plant vines on the walls of the home to help insulate it.

5. Maintenance

Earth sheltered solar homes require less maintenance than traditional homes. However, there are a few things that you should do to keep your home in good condition. These include: