The Preservation of the Solar Potential in Cities of Hispanic Trace

Abstract

To achieve urban sustainability, the access to solar radiation must be a guaranteed right in the cities. There is an urgent need to review designs, patterns and constructive technologies to obtain energy efficient buildings providing thermal and lighting comfort for their occupants through the maximum utilization of available renewable resources of energy. Although solar radiation is one of the most valuable resources of clean and renewable energy, the access to the same seldom constitutes a social right. When analyzing the viability of a bioclimatic design in a new building or in the recycling of an existing one, it is fundamental to know what the solar available potential is, especially in urban consolidated areas where the characteristics of the structure significantly determine the access and availability of the resources. This problem is present in all Latin American cities, emerging from a Spanish colonial grid layout. In order to reverse this tendency, it is necessary to ensure the future free utilization of solar power destined for central and water heating in urban surroundings regardless of their densities. However, the reality indicates that the legal existing frame in many countries of Latin America does not consider the renewable resources as appropriable. This paper presents the evaluation of the impact of regulations in medium scale Argentine cities, in relation to the solar potential of buildings located in consolidated areas. If the present patterns continue, the application of rules orientated toward the utilization of solar resources, will be viable only with great difficulty.