Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between active solar and passive solar?

A: Passive solar design principles allow winter sun to enter the house, where its warmth is stored and reradiated.  In summer, the house’s design and fixtures exclude the sun, and natural ventilation is used for cooling.  Active solar includes solar hot water systems and photovoltaics; ecovents, which use the sun’s energy to switch on and ventilate the roof space, are also active solar devices.

 
Q: Can Solar Dwellings design the home to my budget?
A: We will be honest with you about what you can achieve with your budget, and help you make informed decisions during the design process to limit costs. Our "tailored home design" service is also available to enable you to get a passive solar, energy efficient home at a price you can afford.
 
Q: How much will it cost to have my home designed by Solar Dwellings?

A: Solar Dwellings offers a unique design and construction service with the aim of making energy efficient passive solar homes accessible to Western Australians. We have structured our fees to keep them as cost effective for you as possible. Upfront fees are kept to a minimum and the balance of the design cost is paid through the builders’progress payments, so you can link payments to your mortgage.

 
Q: Do energy efficient homes cost more to build?
A: An energy efficient home is generally more comfortable, easier to maintain and economical to run than a conventional home. There will be some additional upfront costs such as additional insulation, solar hot water or other selected technologies and finishes; however a well designed home does not need mechanical heating and cooling. The home owner will not therefore need to purchase an air conditioner or space heater. The real cost benefit of building an energy efficient home is in the ongoing savings of reduced running costs. The energy efficient home occupier can expect running cost savings from 35 - 90% (dependant on technologies and habits employed.)
 
Q: Do you build the homes too?
A: We submit the design for your home to selected builders for costing and you choose the builder. We use established builders in order to take advantage of their economies of scale so that you get the individually designed home you want at a price you can afford.
 
Q: Are sketches of house plans copyright protected?
A: Yes. Material eligible for copyright protection includes drawings such as sketches and plans of houses. These are protected automatically as soon as they are drawn or recorded in some way. There is no registration procedure.
 
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