Abstract

The rapid rise in energy costs will help guide planning and building in the future. Subdivision scale is ideal because building orientation can be properly included in the land use plan and street orientation. This can have a marketable short term and life cycle cost savings. The seller should carefully explain how the passive solar system works and what, if anything, the homeowner must do to operate and maintain it. This will go a long way toward making the sale, helping the solar system operate efficiently, and keeping the buyer happy. Instructions should include phone numbers for the buyer to call for additional information or assistance with maintenance or repair. 

Both passive and active solar systems require exposure to the sun for heating or generating electricity. A passive system may also benefit from good exposure to the night sky for cooling. The basic environmental and site factors which affect solar access include: climate and microclimate; latitude; topography; trees and landscaping; and human activities and structures. In some areas solar rights protect investments in solar systems. In California the Solar Shade Control Act was passed in 1979 to protect systems from shading by neighboring trees. In 1986 passive system protection was removed in the case of Sher v. Leiderman, 181 Cal. App. 3d 867, 883 (1986).