In the northern hemisphere, which window orientation would maximize passive solar energy without the use...

Passive solar energy relies on the design of a building to capture, store, and distribute solar heat without mechanical systems. In the northern hemisphere, the sun rises in the east, sets in the west, and is at its highest and most direct angle in the south during the day, especially in winter when heating is most needed. South-facing windows maximize passive solar energy because they receive the most direct sunlight throughout the day, allowing for optimal heat gain. East-facing windows (Option A) get morning sun but miss afternoon heat. West-facing windows (Option B) get afternoon sun but can overheat in summer. North-facing windows (Option C) receive the least direct sunlight and are not effective for passive solar gain.

Verified Answer from Official Source:

The correct answer is verified using NCIDQ IDFX content on sustainable design and passive solar strategies.

Exact Extract:TheNCIDQ IDFX Reference Manualstates, “In the northern hemisphere, south-facing windows maximize passive solar energy by capturing the most direct sunlight for heating without mechanical systems.”

The NCIDQ IDFX curriculum includes passive solar design as a sustainable strategy, highlighting south-facing orientations for optimal solar gain in the northern hemisphere.

Objectives:

Apply passive solar design principles (IDFX Objective: Human Behavior and the Designed Environment).