There is something solar for every room in the house…and that includes the bedroom. Now there’s no need to go tearing the roof off the master bedroom to let the sun shine in. Instead, here are a few ideas to help your bedroom go solar.

Think passive. The master bedroom addition is certainly a popular remodeling project and solar energy can be built right into it. If possible, design your new bedroom with large, efficient, south facing windows which will maximize heat gain during the cold months and minimize it during the summer. Materials for walls and floors can be chosen specifically for solar heat gain.

Also consider skylights. Skylights will aide your other windows in maximizing natural light, a process known as daylighting, and thus reducing your reliance on electric light. Solar tubular skylights are another option, creating a more protective barrier between indoor and outdoor air while distributing sunlight throughout the room with a diffuser.

Light colored walls will help reflect light around the room, along with situating any mirrors in areas that receive good amounts of sunlight.

Remember that people work and relax better under natural light. And the bedroom is too often overlooked in its importance to our wellbeing. It is our sanctuary, our place of sleeping and waking. Sure the sun can power our appliances, but it can also power us, refresh us, and make our bedrooms a bright and easy place to be.

Posted on June 11th in Going Solar by Dan.