Maximizing Passive Solar Gain in Modular Homes

Today’s chosen theme: “Maximizing Passive Solar Gain in Modular Homes.” Explore practical strategies, inspiring stories, and expert insights to transform modular builds into sun-powered comfort machines—efficient, bright, and delightfully livable year-round.

Orienting Modular Homes for Sun-Soaked Comfort

Align your longest façade within 15 degrees of true south to capture low winter sun. Correct for magnetic declination, and use a sun-path app to verify shadows and ensure neighboring structures won’t steal your precious daylight.

Orienting Modular Homes for Sun-Soaked Comfort

Modular layouts allow slight rotations that deliver big gains. Nudge living spaces south, recess bedrooms, and protect north-facing service zones. Share your site plan with us, and we’ll help you evaluate seasonal solar access.

Glazing That Works for You, Not Against You

Aim for generous south glazing with disciplined east and west windows. Keep north glazing modest. Plan seating and work areas where sunlight lands in winter. Comment with your window-to-wall ratio targets to get feedback.

Glazing That Works for You, Not Against You

Select higher SHGC south windows in heating climates and lower SHGC elsewhere to manage shoulder seasons. Pair with low U-factors for comfort. Curious about your climate zone? Drop it below, and we’ll suggest a SHGC range.

Thermal Mass: Your Silent Solar Battery

Concrete Slabs, Masonry Walls, and PCM Options

Exposed slabs, interior brick, or phase-change materials absorb solar gains. Keep surfaces dark or medium-toned where sun lands. Thinking of a Trombe wall? Tell us your winter sun hours, and we’ll estimate viable thickness.

Avoiding Overheating with Venting and Shading

Combine mass with operable night ventilation to purge heat. Size overhangs to block high summer sun while welcoming winter rays. Ask for our quick overhang calculator by subscribing to our modular design newsletter.

A Breakfast Nook That Stores Sunshine

A polished concrete bench beside a south window became a family’s favorite reading spot, warm even after sunset. Want similar comfort? Post your room dimensions, and we’ll help place sunlit seating over mass.

Seasonal Shading That’s Simple and Smart

Use local solar altitude angles to size overhangs that block June sun and admit December rays. A quick rule-of-thumb gets you close, but we can refine it—share latitude and window height in the comments.

Seasonal Shading That’s Simple and Smart

Exterior blinds, awnings, and shutters integrate beautifully with modular façades. They tame late-afternoon spikes and add storm protection. Tell us your predominant summer wind direction to choose durable, quiet systems.

Sealing the Seams: Airtightness and Thermal Bridges

Gaskets, Membranes, and Tapes at Module Connections

Design redundant air barriers with compressible gaskets and taped membranes across seams. Schedule blower door testing on set day. Comment with your target ACH50, and we’ll share detailing tips to hit it.

Continuous Insulation and Structural Thermal Breaks

Carry insulation over module joints and steel penetrations. Thermal break plates and foam trims slash linear bridges. Ask us about infrared camera checks—you’ll love seeing cold spots disappear after improvements.

HRV/ERV Locations That Support Solar Rooms

Place supply diffusers in sun-warmed zones and returns in cooler areas to encourage soft balancing. Need ductless options? Tell us ceiling heights, and we’ll suggest transfer grilles or smart fans that sip energy.

Passive Stack and Cross-Ventilation for Summer

Clerestories and high vents create buoyancy-driven exhaust, drawing in cool evening air. Cross-vent paths through doors boost the effect. Share your prevailing breeze direction to map window pairs effectively.

Mixing Without Overmixing

Small, quiet ceiling fans on low speed destratify warm air without chilling occupants. Use thermostats with fan-only modes. Comment with your room volumes to estimate ideal fan sizes and placement heights.

Model, Measure, Improve: Data-Driven Solar Design

Use PHPP or EnergyPlus to test orientations, glazing mixes, and shading before you build. Email your climate data and module layout, and we’ll recommend a modeling pathway tailored to your goals.

Model, Measure, Improve: Data-Driven Solar Design

Track indoor temperatures, slab surface temps, and window solar radiation. A few wireless sensors reveal patterns fast. Subscribe to receive our starter kit list and a logging template that’s beginner-friendly.