Solar initiatives in built-up areas may be left struggling to see the light of day.
The eco-friendly Australian cities of the future will combine dense housing with savvy, energy-smart design. Or will they? Is there a conflict looming between the twin green goals of urban densification and widespread harvesting of the sun’s rays?
More and more people are installing solar panels and solar hot water systems, growing their own vegies and adapting their houses for passive solar gain. But as they do so, they may find their desire for direct sunlight overshadowed by bigger buildings next door.
Kim Dovey, professor of architecture and urban design at The University of Melbourne, says the right to sunlight is a growing issue.