What is one method of reducing solar radiation in shelter orientation?

Positioning shelters with their short sides facing the sun is a viable method for reducing solar radiation exposure. When the short sides face the sun, the amount of direct sunlight that enters the shelter is minimized, which helps keep the interior cooler and reduces the overall heat load. This orientation limits the surface area that is directly impacted by sunlight, thereby decreasing the solar gain within the shelter. It allows for more control over shading and can be especially effective if combined with other strategies.

In contrast, positioning shelters with their long sides facing north could expose more surface area to the sun, particularly if it is oriented toward the equator’s path of the sun throughout the day. Using reflective materials on the shelter’s surface can aid in reflecting sunlight, but does not address the direct orientation and can lead to heat build-up. Planting trees around the shelters is also a method to reduce solar radiation, but this takes time to establish and is not a direct adjustment to the shelter's orientation. Each of these alternatives has its benefits, but the direct impact of orientation is most effectively demonstrated when the short sides face the sun.