Solar Gain, definition of

Solar gain (known also as solar heat gain or passive solar gain) refers to the temperature increase in a space, object, or structure caused by solar radiation. The amount of solar gain increases with the strength of the Sun, and with the ability of any intervening material to transmit or resist the radiation.

Objects struck by Sunlight absorb the short-wave radiation from the light and re-radiate the heat at longer infrared wavelengths. Where there is a material or substance between the Sun and the objects struck that is more transparent to the shorter wavelengths than the longer, then when the Sun is shining the net result is an increase in temperature - hence solar gain.

Solar gain is also a problem for Solar Panels, as when they increase in temperature they progressively lose their ability to convert solar light into electrical power. So Solar Panels need to be kept cool to operate at peak performance.

Wikipedia Entry

• What is R-Value, U-Value and how do they relate to insulation?
  How the R-value of a buildings insulation or home is calculated and the factors that effect the final R value, and how to use it.
• What is a Trombe Wall and how can you use one?
  Trombe Walls can provide free heating, cooling and ventilation. We explain how Trombe Walls work; how to build a Trombe Wall and how such a wall saves money by reducing energy usage.
• What is Passive Solar?
  Passive solar building design is explained and how passive solar principals are used to design green homes and buildings, and save you money.
• Keeping your home Cool in Summer or Warm in Winter for free!
  How to keep cool or warm in your home by design, either in Summer or Winter, whilst reducing costs to you and the Earth..

• This apple factory turned artist ranch is a budding community
  This is the story of how a decommissioned apple processing facility became a modern rural retreat. Created by Best Practice Architecture, Cloud Ranch is an amazing combination of the old and the new.[...]
• Green-roofed CABI HQ champions biodiversity and energy efficiency
  After 33 years of working in an old drafty building in Oxfordshire, international nonprofit CABI has upgraded to a new low-energy home that combines beautiful design with employee wellness and environmental sustainability...
• Oregon State University building on a reclaimed mine targets net-zero energy
  Seattle-based SRG Partnership has unveiled designs for Edward J. Ray Hall, a new Oregon State University Cascades Campus building with ambitious net-zero energy targets in Bend, Oregon. Designed to showcase OSU-Cascades’ commitment to sustainability,...
• Modern, energy-efficient office harvests rainwater in Surat
  New Delhi-based multidisciplinary firm Urbanscape Architects has recently completed the Sangini House, a mixed-use office space in the Gujarati city of Surat...
• A midcentury home receives a sensitive renovation in Montreal
  Local practice Salem Architecture has recently renovated the Maison Ave Courcelette, a stately, midcentury home with an improved indoor/outdoor connection in the heart of Montreal...
• Recycled materials and traditional techniques define this farmstay in India
  At the edge of the Sasan Gir wildlife sanctuary in Gujarat, India, d6thD design studio has completed Aaranya, an agricultural farmstay that pays homage to the rural vernacular and Mother Nature...
• This serene family home is connected by glass hallways
  Tucked into the foothills of California's beloved Laurel Canyon, the Laurel Hills Residence by Assembledge+ is an exquisite example of modern, sustainable home design...
• Nature-inspired home uses passive design to stay cool in Taiwan
  Just outside Kaohsiung’s city center, Taiwanese architecture firm Chain10 Architecture & Interior Design Institute has completed Comfort in Context, a contemporary new home nestled in a lush hillside...

Related Tags: insulation, passive solar, buildings, sustainable development, energy efficiency, solar gain, solar power