ABSTRACT
Two primary uses for solar energy are heating and lighting for buildings. The building must be designed for the collection of solar energy, transfer of that energy, and storage. The electromagnetic radiation is absorbed and becomes thermal energy (heat); therefore, we need to know how heat is transferred. Heat is just internal kinetic energy of a material and is the random motion of atoms and electrons. Two important aspects for buildings using solar energy are reduction in the transfer of heat and thermal mass so there will not be large temperature variations from day to night or even over 3 to 5 days with no solar input to the building due to clouds. The reduction of heat transfer means that a solar-heated building must ’rst be a well-insulated building, a heat trap.
