Choosing a site

 

Given that we were aiming to build a solar home, our first task was to find a house site suitable for solar energy. We looked for a plot of land that would get plenty of sunlight without being too exposed.  

 

For best solar benefit, we were looking for:

 

• Land sloping to the south

 

• Wooded to give shade in summer

 

• Sheltered from north winds

 

• Close to town with power, internet and telephone available.

 

 

With the help of some web searches and a local realtor, we found a nice lot in the woods, about 10 minutes out of town, on the south side of a gently sloping hill, which met all of our criteria - except for the internet connection, which is another story!

 

With careful positioning of the house, deciduous trees would provide shade in the warm summer and let in plenty of sunlight in the cold winter.

 

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