Solar Energy Systems in Architecture

The building sector is responsible for about a third of the total energy consumption of western countries. The use of solar energy in buildings is becoming of critical importance if we are to prepare for fossil fuel energy shortages and reduce our exposure to global warming impacts and associated environmental costs. In this regard, there is a pressing need for architects to complete competencies in this field. The present manual conceived for architects and intended to be as clear and practical as possible, summarizes the knowledge needed to integrate active solar technologies into buildings, handling at the same time architectural integration issues and energy Production requirements. In this paper, building energy needs and available solar technologies, building integration problematic and architectural integration quality are explained and discussed in details.