Sunny walls vs sunnier roofs: A study on the advantages of roofs for solar collection

Abstract

This study focuses on the widely accepted principle that the equatorial sides of a building offer the optimum solar potential for solar space heating. A comparison between the solar irradiation on the south walls and horizontal roofs of buildings in London and Athens highlights the energy benefits of facing the sky rather than the equator. Four building examples exemplify practical ways to utilize the rather neglected potential of roofs as solar collectors for space heating.

Citation

Stasinopoulos, T.N. (2002), "Sunny walls vs sunnier roofs: A study on the advantages of roofs for solar collection", Environmental Management and Health, Vol. 13 No. 4, pp. 339-347 . https://doi.org/10.1108/09566160210439242