: Gruber, E.; Reichert, J.

Abstract
In the 70ies when energy prices were increasing rapidly, there was a search for new solutions for low energy houses and use of renewable energy sources. Two different possibilities have been discussed: a high insulation standard with small windows on the one hand and "solar houses" with large south-faced glazings for passive solar energy gains on the other. The Landstuhl project investigated the contribution of active and passive solar energy use to energy conservation in one-family houses under the climate conditions of the Federal Republic of Germany. For the first time, therefore, lived-in solar houses were measured with respect to their energy consumption over several years. The findings show that an excellent insulation of walls and windows could contribute more to energy saving than solar architecture. Passive solar components cause a good indoor climate and a high living quality. In addition, the living behaviour influences the energy consumption strongly, above all indoor tempe ratures and ventilation habits.