Santa Fe has a way of spoiling you with sunshine. With more than 300 sunny days a year, crisp high-desert air, and a dramatic backdrop of mountains and adobe neighborhoods, it’s no wonder that this city has long been a haven for those who appreciate beauty and light. But beyond its postcard charm, Santa Fe has something else that makes it the perfect place for passive solar homes.

The concept isn’t new. Passive solar design has been around for centuries, particularly in the Southwest, where thick adobe walls absorb the day’s warmth and release it slowly throughout the cool night. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that in the right climate (exactly the kind Santa Fe enjoys), passive solar design can meet more than three-quarters of a home’s heating needs without relying on mechanical systems. That means lower utility bills, greater comfort, and a smaller environmental footprint.

For a glamorous example, consider the Martin Gelber Residence in Los Angeles. Built in the late ’70s, it became California’s first passive solar house. With its sweeping south-facing windows, clever use of thermal mass, and natural ventilation, the home was both a showcase of energy-smart design and a masterclass in elegance. Today, it’s listed for millions—a reminder that sustainable design can be the height of luxury. Read more here.

But here’s the real opportunity for Santa Fe: passive solar homes don’t have to be the domain of high-end buyers. In fact, the same strategies that power a multimillion-dollar property can be applied—at a fraction of the cost—to create comfortable, affordable housing.

In Santa Fe, the bones are already there. Traditional adobe construction is a natural thermal mass, storing heat during the day and releasing it after sunset. Simply orienting a home so its largest windows face within 30 degrees of true south, adding a roof overhang to block the summer sun, and choosing materials that store heat well can transform the way a house feels year-round. And it’s not just for new construction—older homes can be retrofitted with south-facing glazing, interior masonry walls, or even thermal shutters to harness the same benefits.

The payoff is huge. Imagine a family in an affordable housing development whose winter heating bills are cut nearly in half—or a retiree in an older adobe who enjoys consistent warmth without blasting the furnace all day. Over time, those savings matter. They free up money for groceries, healthcare, or education. They keep homes comfortable during power outages. And they make sustainable living accessible to people who may never have considered it an option.

Santa Fe is uniquely poised to lead this movement. The climate, the building traditions, and the city’s deep appreciation for thoughtful, place-based design all align perfectly with passive solar principles. All it takes is intention—by architects, builders, policymakers, grants, donors, and homeowners alike—to bring these homes into reach for every income level. It’s not easy, but it’s doable.

In a city where sunlight is plentiful, why not let it do the work?