3 ms·

Although it's an apples-to-oranges comparison, I wonder how the efficiency of these domes compare to Earthship designs[1], where the intake of solar energy is p

• jacquesm 5y ago
  Not good, they are hard to affix solar panels to and the amount of light that makes it into the interior where it can be trapped as heat is minimal. Insulation properties can be pretty good though and you could make it into a selective surface with the South side black and the North side white if you wanted. That should help to trap and retain at least some heat. I've visited an Earthship somewhere in Iowa and it was incredible how efficient it was, midwinter and absolutely comfortable inside with barely any extra heating. Passive solar is a very powerful concept, but you will need a massive thermal sink if you don't get enough sunlight during the winter to tide you over the bad days. Probably easier to add a small amount of auxiliary heating to take the edge off if you ever need it.
  • Maxion 5y ago
    The further north you get, the less efficient earthships become. When you have close to no sunlight during the coldest time of the year you want more insulation. Passive house designs work better.
    • jacquesm 5y ago
      That makes good sense, also, the further North you get the longer the path sunlight has through the atmosphere which can significantly diminish the amount of power per unit area by the time you try to capture it.