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Solar Architecture
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here to see our featured solar architecture projects.
The concept of using the sun to meet the energy needs
in our buildings has been with us since the time of
the Greeks, with some of the design manifestations even
evident in the prehistoric structures of the Southwest.
Solar utilization has a long history, beginning with
some of the earliest inhabited structures. Early man
built in response to the climate, to social and cultural
standards and to their need for adequate shelter. They
did not have available to them abundant energy resources
or mechanical devices for moderating the indoor climate
of their homes. They used what was available - the sun,
wind, caves, fire and available materials such as mud
and stone.
Today we have technologies that can collect and store
the sun‚s energy, both thermal energy and electrical
energy. During the oil shortages of the mid to late
70s, when energy prices skyrocketed, clever architects
and builders discovered ways to conserve energy and
to harvest the solar energy that was available.
When oil prices stabilized in the mid 80s much of the
interest in solar energy declined and many companies
that had thrived with the federal tax credits that were
then available, went out of business. We are now seeing
a renewed interest in solar technologies, as global
warming and energy security become more of a concern.
Photovoltaics or solar electricity, which was way out
of reach for most people in the 70s and 80s is now economically
acceptable and in some cases cost competitive with utility-supplied
power. Many states have deregulated the utilities monopoly
on power generation and are offering generous rebates
and tax incentive on photovoltaic systems.
Aware of the environmental costs of fossil fuel generated
power, the long term cost and danger of nuclear generated
power and immense military cost to protect our supply
of oil, many people are deciding to produce their own
power at the point of use; their homes, schools and
offices.
We at Rountree Architects are dedicated to creating
structures that produce some if not all of the energy
they use from clean renewable energy.
residential architecture | solar architecture | consulting | speaking
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