ABSTRACT
The major problem for solar energy use in buildings is the mismatch between the energy demand for heating and the availability of solar energy, specially in the critical winter season. This is accentuated at high latitudes where seasonal differences between heating demand and solar radiation availability are highest. This paper presents a comparative analysis of heating demand at high latitudes, using a simplified lineal relationship to define the heating degree days, the duration of the heating season and the typical daily temperature amplitude. This is presented in graphic form to compare different high latitude locations, to indicate the possibility of using passive solar heating and to select appropriate systems. Though primarily intended as a teaching tool, it can also assist the designer to select appropriate solar solutions at high latitudes and understand their specific characteristics.
