Abstract: The article provides a brief historical overview of the achievements of mankind in the field of heat accumulation of solar radiation without generating electrical energy, in order to heat water and air, more intensive ventilation in the premises of residential buildings. Based on that, the author generalizes the main methods of capturing solar heat to achieve these goals, which concern the alignment of windows to cardinal directions, exterior and position of the building, use of high heat capacity materials and phase transition materials, "solar chimneys", solar walls and water heaters (which is the subject of this study). The possibility of their use in modern buildings, including those located in a relatively cold climate, with the presence of negative temperatures around the year is analyzed. The study demonstrates that currently the single-family residences located in low-rise buildings can benefit the most from using the solar radiation; at the same time, the presence of negative temperatures is not in itself an obstacle for application of such techniques. Therefore, the reduction heating costs due to the usage of solar energy in a cold climate can be achieved.

Keywords: resource saving, energy saving, building, passive house, sustainable development, green building, solar energy, overview, heat capacity, latent heat