7.5. Summary and Final Tasks

Buildings are solar energy conversion systems, absorbing solar radiation and impacting comfort within building zones. Building facades (walls) behave as flat plate absorber systems (with no covers) while windows behave as cavity absorber systems - the radiation is transmitted through the window and part of it is reflected around in the zone until it is absorbed by the floor, walls, and ceiling. The energy balance of a building is comprised of gains, loads, and losses, all of which are time dependent. Careful accounting of each piece of the overall energy balance and choosing the right specifications for collector and energy storage are needed to create an energy-efficient dwelling.

Please double-check the to-do list on the Lesson 7 Introduction page to make sure you have completed all of the activities listed there before you begin Lesson 8.