What is less commonly understood are the different ways they can be used to save on heating and cooling costs.
Here is a good summary by the Department of Climate Change on passive solar design:
It answers questions about:
- How does your climate and situation affect the size and placement of windows
- How to modify the window schedule to make your house more comfortable
- How to design eaves and pergolas that keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer.
- When and how to use special window treatments like double glazing, low-e and reflective glass
http://www.yourhome.gov.au/technical/fs410.html#glazing