It is possible to design solar energy systems (SES) with solar collectors in several ways: manually - by calculation; using software - there are several calculation programs for SES design, e.g. T*Sol from the renowned German company Valentin software for the calculation of thermal heat collectors, or PV*Sol for the design and simulation of photovoltaic power plants of any size; or according to the manufacturer's instructions - if we know the manufacturer/supplier of the equipment when designing the SES, we can use the recommended calculation procedures from the design documents of the given company, provided that they are available.

The paper presents soft densification as a phenomenon suitable for the sustainable development of ageing suburban housing of larger cities in the Czech Republic. The background, potential, and risks are described using literature and foreign practical experience and suggest the possible application of this strategy in Czech conditions. A description of the spatial types of soft densification regarding the reserves of existing land and houses, and a description of the main actors of the phenomenon serve as a basis for further research. The article also includes an introduction of the online database of Dense Satellites, which was created to collect good practice projects and popularize the topic among the wider public.

The article presents a project submitted by TAČR in the Environment for Life section 2. The goal of the project is to find the application of recycled glass fractions from photovoltaic panels in the field of construction. The project focuses on three basic silicate building materials, which are able to incorporate glass recyclate shards into their structure during the hydration, firing and melting process. The paper specifies the first results of testing possibilities for use of glass recyclate from photovoltaic panels for concrete masonry units. It compares particular recipes and its physical and mechanical properties with the main focus on the compressive strength. It then compares the values of these recipes with the values of commonly used composite materials for masonry units without recyclates.

PV systems are gaining ground as a standard for family homes. Apartment buildings are lagging behind, but design optimization and community energy bring new possibilities.

Evaluation of the conditions and prerequisites for deploying a cogeneration unit that will serve as a source of electrical and thermal energy for an agricultural cooperative that plans to operate a biomethane station.

This post discusses the possibilities of using green walls and their impact on the living environment, micro-climatic conditions and the overall perception of comfort in the interior. Green walls, or vertical gardens, are a desired architectural element of spaces, whether external or internal, for their aesthetic value and significant ability to favorably influence the environment in which we live. Vertical gardens improve acoustics, humidify, freshen and cool the air, capture dust and clean the air. The green wall also functions as a very effective heat and sound insulation system. Any larger green area fundamentally increases the quality of the microclimate, and therefore also people's lives.

Within the project, a new concept of a combination of a constructed wetland and an extensive green roof with the use of grey water for irrigation was designed, built, and tested in experimental operation. In accordance with the principles of circular economy, a substrate for extensive green roofs with an admixture of recycled materials based on recycled demolition waste and pyrolyzed sewage sludge in the form of biochar was designed and initially experimentally tested. The hydrophysical characteristics of the proposed substrate mixtures were determined and two were selected for use on wetland-extensive green roof experimental beds. Water balance, water chemistry at the green roof runoff and vegetation condition were monitored as a function of biochar addition.

An analysis of a central and decentralized solar domestic hot water system for an apartment building shows that the usable solar gain and year-round efficiency are similar, but the solar coverage and the need for backup heat source energy are fundamentally different.

A nuclear power plant is a powerful and stable source of electricity. Full replacement of such source with photovoltaics is not easy. We calculated how much PV panels and batteries would be needed for replacement and how much it would cost. The calculation in the article is interactive and the individual calculation parameters can be modified.

The construction industry is the primary source of environmental impacts, especially the carbon footprint. Life cycle assessment (LCA) as an analytical method is used for quantifying the environmental impact of the investigated residential building. Life cycle costs (LCC) from the point of view of the circular economy create an economic model prioritizing reuse and recycling. The aim of this paper is to assess the residential building in terms of carbon footprint, using LCA analysis and circular economy, using LCC analysis. The residential building emits 1 756 tons of CO_2e , which represents 41.35 kg CO_2e/m²/year. The total estimated life cycle cost of the building in nominal terms is 1 694 699.61 €. This is the average total life cycle cost of 1 995.21 €/m².

The paper is elaborated in order to outline the understanding of architecture in relation to the environment and to reflect on a systemic conception of the issue of the role of architectural and urban factors in the valuation of buildings. The main task is to determine the progress of the solution method based on the initial research and analysis. A large part of the article is devoted to the explanation and definition of the system of important quantities. The results and findings will serve as a basis for further research.

The paper deals with the possibilities for use of glass recyclate from photovoltaic panels for concrete masonry units. It compares partivular recipes and its physical and mechanical properties with the main focus on the compressive strength. It then compares the values of these recipes with the values of commonly used composite materials for masonry units without recyclates.

How much electricity does a PV panel produce? What is solar inverter good for? When your solar PV does not pay off? How long does the installation take? We will answer these and many other practical questions in this article.

Are you considering installing a solar power plant on your own home or business, and haven't been interested in this technology? Here you will find basic information.