Solar Cooling

This case study was written by Jason Kirchoff et. al. of the University of Southern California School of Architecture. It analyzes the efficiency of a year round solar thermal heating and cooling system in a commercial building in Los Angeles, California.

This report was prepared within the framework of the Solar Heating and Cooling Programme (SHC) of the International Energy Agency (IEA) as an update of the one issued in 2009. The report documents the solar thermal capacity installed in the important markets worldwide and its contribution in terms of supply of energy and CO2 emissions reduction. Documented collectors comprise unglazed collectors, glazed flat-plate and evacuated tube collectors with water as the energy carrier, as well as glazed and unglazed air collectors.

The Decree No. 314/010 was issued by the Uruguayan authorities with the purpose of outlining the minimal technical conditions to be met by solar thermal installations. It regulates the use of these technologies, also serving as a guideline for all users, with a main focus on durability, reliability and security requirements.