Solar architecture: Significance and integration of technologies

Institute of Architectural Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Technical University of Kosice, 042 00 Kosice, Vysokoskolska 4, Slovakia

^* Corresponding author: zuzana.dicka@tuke.sk

Abstract

Solar architecture is an innovative approach to building design and construction that focuses on integrating solar technology with architectural design. Solar-integrated architecture includes both passive and active use of solar energy. Due to the impact of global warming, today's energy environment is changing significantly from the usage of fossil fuels to the production of clean energy on-site. Buildings and the construction sector are responsible for almost a third of the world's total energy consumption and are the primary source of greenhouse gas emissions. Solar energy as a source of inexhaustible energy represents the future of modern sustainable buildings. This article deals with the basic principles and overview of solar architecture and analyses its impact on the environment. The paper includes the advantages of solar architecture, influencing factors, the latest technological innovations, practical aspects of implementing solar solutions, and examples of successful world projects. The paper aims to provide a comprehensive and informed overview of solar architecture and available solar technologies and solutions. Last but foremost, emphasize the importance of this issue in existing but especially in future designs of energy-efficient buildings.