What is a good insulator for a passively solar powered house?

Insulation is so vital to home energy efficiency that governments are offering some significant rebates for insulation upgrades. The hope is to reduce our energy consumption, and in doing so, decrease our dependence on fossil fuels. Insulation value is important for every home, passive solar-powered or not, although it is especially crucial when one decides to shirk off mechanical HVAC systems.

A lot of passive solar homes utilize thick walls made with masonry materials, like concrete, cinder blocks, natural stone and others with a naturally high insulation value. These materials are also useful for the collection and distribution of passive solar energy. In a conventional home looking to increase its share of passive solar power, just bringing the home into compliance with local building codes regarding insulation would make a huge difference. But to really harness passive solar power, you'll need the tightest of insulation (as well as plenty of south-facing windows).

Blown-in cellulose insulation is probably your best bet, especially for remodels. It is simply blown in through small holes drilled into the wall or exterior siding. The advantage to blown-in insulation is that it fills every gap in a stud bay, providing the tightest fit and maximum insulation quality for the home. Other less conventional ways to build and insulate a passive solar home are straw bale construction, insulated concrete forms and structural insulated panels (SIPs), among others. While type of insulation is vital to building a successful solar home, it is but one of several factors affecting home energy efficiency. Insulation, weather barriers and a tight seal should be taken into account at every turn, every joint, every outlet. There is no absolute best technique for every passively solar-powered home, but excellent insulation is absolutely necessary. Talk with a local solar contractor to learn about the best insulation for a solar home in your area.