Converting a typical house to a passive cooled house

I was inspired to write about this topic from the article in Energy Circle blog. I thought all the options they mentioned were really good but I think that the basics of passive solar need to be included.

The quickest way to convert your home to a passive solar home is to install overhangs on the exterior to block solar heat gain throughout the day. This is best installed on the southern and western facing windows. Shades will create a serious heat source as the sun reflects from the interior shade and the window pane creating a heater. If the shade is on the exterior then that window does not gain any solar radiation keeping the home cool. Also if the windows are operable then opening them will allow better air flow.

For more information on this subject check out buildingscience.com.