Solar heating and passive solar design

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Turning solar for water heating

By Andrew Pollard 1 August 2008, Build 107, Feature article

As electricity shortages and increasing energy costs hit home, interest is growing in renewable energy sources, like the sun. A recent 3-year study identified some issues around solar water heating and found the key is getting the installation right.

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Designing better

By Greg Burn 1 June 2020, Build 178

Significant performance improvements can be achieved affordably in houses by designing above the New Zealand Building Code minimum requirements. So, where is a good place to start to improve the liveability of a house?

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Transforming PV solar panels

By David Hindley 1 February 2023, Build 194, Feature article

While the installation of rooftop photovoltaic systems is booming, the basic technology remains much the same as it was over two decades ago. In the coming decade, that’s set to change, in part thanks to research under way in this country.

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Back to solar design basics

By Bruce Sedcole 1 June 2020, Build 178

Developers subdividing land and owners commissioning new homes have one chance to get the basic solar design principles right. Siting and designing new dwellings can be done cost-effectively and will substantially increase performance over a dwelling’s lifetime.

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Water heating options

By Andrew Pollard 1 October 2010, Build 120, Feature article

Heat pump water heating systems are a relatively new option when looking for an energy-efficient hot water system. Efficiency varies, so it’s worthwhile doing your homework to find out if this would work well in a particular situation.

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