Certified Energy Auditor Practice Exam 2026 – All-in-One Resource to Achieve Exam Success!

A passive solar system is designed to harness solar energy in a way that does not require mechanical systems or active components. It collects sunlight and heat through strategically placed windows, walls, and floors that absorb sunlight during the day and release it at night or during cooler periods.

This system relies on natural energy flows and the characteristics of building materials to store and redistribute heat. For instance, materials like concrete, brick, or stone can absorb solar energy during the day and release it slowly, providing consistent warmth in a space.

In contrast to other options, which may involve active components such as solar panels or mechanical systems to generate or redistribute energy, a passive system benefits from architectural design and situational awareness to optimize energy use. Thus, the effectiveness of passive solar systems largely depends on proper design, orientation, and material selection to capture and utilize sunlight efficiently without mechanical intervention.