Glossary

Terms for Architecture, Green Building & Energy

This glossary includes more than 300 solar terms, as well as hundreds of additional sustainable design and construction terms.

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Solar Air Heater

Definition: Solar air heaters are generally proprietary systems that collect and distribute heat to a building. They generally consist of a roof or wall mounted box with a polycarbonate surface to allow solar energy to be collected, and a solar absorbing lower surface. A fan is used to circulate the air between the collection device and the building. The units can be configured to recirculate internal air or use fresh air and can also be used in reverse to provide some cooling during warm periods.