SOLAR TODAY - May 2012

Register Now. World Renewable Energy Forum in Denver, May 13-17 ( wref2012.org).

VOLume 26, NO. 3 May 2012 sOLartOday.Org

Norbert lechNer

coNteNts

28 Playing the Angles for Solar-Responsive Design

By Norbert M. Lechner

Solar geometry provides the tools for effective passive solar heating, shading and daylighting.

aNDasol

Thermal energy storage stores excess
solar heat to extend the operating hours for
concentrating solar power. Is it also the answer
for increasing the grid value of electricity from
wind and photovoltaics?

22 The Thermal Energy Storage Solution

By Zhiwen Ma, Greg C. Glatzmaier and Chuck Kutscher

jere My wolD

A Utah couple builds their dream house, which incorporates the core goals of Passive House design — low energy use, thermal comfort and excellent indoor air quality.

32 The Breezeway House: Passive House Comes to Salt Lake City

By Dave Brach AIA, CPHC

aPs Photo

Distributed renewable energy generation is creating an exciting shift in the utility business.

36 Valuing the Opportunity of Solar Distributed Generation

By Phil Smithers

Trees 273
Energy 182 million Btu
Water 41,466 gallons
Greenhouse Gases 13. 4 tons
Solid Waste 11. 4 tons
SOLAR TODAY is printed with vegetable ink on paper containing
100 percent post-consumer waste. The paper is produced at a
biomass-powered mill. This issue saves:

SOLAR TODAY environmental statement

ON THE COVER: The 300-kilowatt array on the south roof of the Colorado Convention Center uses 1,310 230-watt SunPower modules feeding three SatCon three-phase inverters. Installed in 2008 by Namasté Solar, it provides 14 percent of the building’s electricity year-round, and up to 23 percent during air-conditioning season. Photo courtesy of NaMasté solar.