passive solar

[PAS-iv SOH-ler]
adjective/noun phrase
energia solar passiva
1. A system of harnessing solar energy for heating and cooling buildings without mechanical devices, relying instead on building design, orientation, and materials
The new library was designed with passive solar heating to reduce energy costs.
A nova biblioteca foi projetada com energia solar passiva para reduzir custos de energia.
2. Architectural and design techniques that utilize the sun's natural heat and light through windows, thermal mass, and proper building orientation
Passive solar design includes large south-facing windows and thermal walls.
O design de energia solar passiva inclui janelas grandes voltadas para o sul e paredes térmicas.
Passive solar design gained prominence in Brazil and globally during the 1970s energy crisis and has become increasingly important in sustainable architecture discussions. In the USA, it represents a practical approach to reducing energy consumption. This term is more common in professional architectural and environmental contexts than in everyday conversation.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
passive solar designpassive solar heatingsolar passive architecturenatural solar heating
Antonyms / Antônimos
active solarmechanical heatingfossil fuel heating

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
energia solar passiva
Standard technical term used in architecture and sustainability contexts
Portugal
aquecimento solar passivo
Often emphasizes the heating aspect; commonly used in European sustainability discussions
São Paulo
energia solar passiva
Widely used in modern construction and green building initiatives
USA English
passive solar
Common in architecture and environmental policy discussions since the 1970s energy crisis

Related Words

thermal masssolar orientationsolar thermalsustainable architecturerenewable energygreen buildingsolar gain

Related Idioms & Phrases

harnessing the sun's free energy
working with nature rather than against it
sustainable building practices
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →