Solar Air Heating and Ventilation in Buildings: A Key Component in the Forthcoming Renewable Energy Mix

The achievements of the last two decades in using solar energy for naturally ventilating and heating buildings of any size and scope across the world are remarkable, though comprising a niche market and being generally poorly known. Air quality, thermal and hygrometric comfort and reduced energy costs are some of the benefits enjoyed by solar ventilated space occupants. We identify the remaining hurdles to be addressed prior to forthcoming widespread diffusion of this technology in the built environment across the world, well beyond cold climate countries.