Solar Energy Applications in Houses: Performance and Economics in Europe provides information on the state of development of solar space and water heating technology and on the influence of climatic and economic factors on the attractiveness of solar systems. The book discusses the aspects of climate relevant to solar system and house designs; the impacts of the different European climates on the thermal design and heating requirements of individual houses; and the passive solar energy use in buildings. The text also describes the components of active solar energy systems; the performance of active solar energy systems; and the economics of solar space and water heating. The supporting activities for solar energy systems and other energy-saving technologies implemented by governments, companies, energy supply utilities, solar societies and the Commission of the European Communities are also considered. The book will be invaluable to potential buyers or owners of systems who need practical information on the technical and economic possibilities of domestic solar energy use in the various countries of the European Communities. The information is also important for those people in government, administration, industry and research institutions who are involved in assessing solar energy applications, in planning for the future energy supply, in developing support measures for the introduction of energy-saving methods and in marketing solar hardware.

Five papers were selected for this Special Issue, with three relating to solar energy applications in houses, smart cities, and microgrids; one studying the relationship between the smart city model and the concept of energy sustainability; and one addressing the following two topics: the lack of effectiveness of detection algorithms based on the voltage/frequency displacement concept under voltage-controlled inverters and the applicability limits of others based on the impedance measurement (IM).

This volume provides a valuable overview of the Commission's current activities in research on solar radiation data and in the development of solar energy applications in buildings. It contains the proceedings of the second contractors' co ordination meeting in the third four year R+D programme (1985-88) in these two fields, which was held in Brussels on 1 and 2 OCtober 1987. The first meeting was held on 13 and 14 November 1986. (') The research contractors' reports presented in this book give a full account of activities at an important stage in the programme where most projects have completed their preparatory stages and productive research is now fully underway. A feature of the reports is the pattern they illustrate of working groups in which practically all of the Member states are represented, co operating in the attainment of common goals within a co ordinated European programme. The meeting was attended by 60 participants and extended over two days. Presentations were made by the contractors on the objectives of their projects, progress made in the research, and future work plans and priorities. Each presentation was followed by a short d- cussion. The meeting was also important in improving communications between the research groups, exposing opportunities for co operation and collaboration, and monitoring progress. Among key achievements reported in the area 'Solar Radiation Data' is the implementation of a network of measuring stations at eight proto typical sites throughout Europe.

Five papers were selected for this Special Issue, with three relating to solar energy applications in houses, smart cities, and microgrids; one studying the relationship between the smart city model and the concept of energy sustainability; and one addressing the following two topics: the lack of effectiveness of detection algorithms based on the voltage/frequency displacement concept under voltage-controlled inverters and the applicability limits of others based on the impedance measurement (IM).

Solar Energy Application in Buildings discusses the successful utilization of the Sun’s energy in various cultures, continents, and climates. This book consists of 19 chapters and begins with considerable chapters devoted to the fundamentals of solar energy, including climate, storage, and material properties. The subsequent chapters discuss the concept of passive heating and cooling in buildings. The remaining nine chapters deal with various applications of solar energy in buildings in the United States, Iran, Canada, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Great Britain, India, and France. This work will be of great value to scientists and engineers who are interested in the great potential of solar energy.