There are five major elements to passive solar design:
• Aperture (collector): large expanse of glass where sunlight enters
• Absorber: a part of the solar storage element; the absorber is a hard, darkened surface that sits in the direct path of the sun and absorbs heat
• Thermal Mass: materials that retain and store heat from the sun
• Distribution: the method for circulating solar heat throughout the house
• Control: roof overhangs that shade the aperture during the summer months to help prevent overheating
For more information see the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) publication Passive Solar Design for the Home (Acrobat Reader is required for viewing).
