Final answer:
Passive solar techniques involve using a building's structure to optimize solar energy use and require design consideration for local conditions. They are widely accepted, allow for the construction of zero-energy houses, and sometimes include systems like PV panels and solar thermal components.
Step-by-step explanation:
Passive solar techniques refer to the use of the building structure to collect, store, and distribute solar energy without relying on active mechanical systems. An important aspect of passive solar design is the requirement for buildings to be tailored to local conditions, such as climate and solar exposure. Passive solar homes often incorporate features like PV panels, wind power, and renewable liquid fuels to satisfy energy needs in a self-sufficient manner. Indeed, historically significant figures such as Mária Telkes have made substantial contributions to the field of solar energy by designing solar-heated homes and developing solar-electrically powered residential solutions. Furthermore, passive solar does not typically lend itself to electricity generation, but it is a widely accepted technology that can be easily implemented on an individual scale.
Current research in environmentally friendly homes places emphasis on reducing the reliance on conventional heating and cooling through better building materials and architectural design that strategically uses sunlight and air flow. Additionally, passive solar techniques, when applied effectively, allow the construction of zero-energy houses that sustain comfortable living with minimal energy consumption. It is also noteworthy that solar thermal energy, which can be considered an extension of passive solar principles, has been acknowledged as an abundant resource and is used in power generation, although it is more suited to centralized installations.