A planning process map for solar buildings in urban environments

Our future built environment will not only consume energy, it will also produce (partly) its own energy need. Solar energy has been proven to be a valid strategy for producing on-site renewable energy. Planning for integrating solar energy in buildings involves many players and decision-making. In this article, a process map defining which decisions regarding solar energy needs to be discussed in which design stage, is presented. With the help of this process map, more informed decisions should facilitate the implementation of solar energy in buildings.