Turns out that insulation is more important than the southern exposure. So maybe we can just enjoy our west facing lot for what it is.....add more insulation and low solar heat gain windows and enjoy the view.
http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/musings/gba-prime-sneak-peek-reassessing-passive-solar-design-principles
http://www.treehugger.com/green-architecture/everything-i-ever-knew-or-said-about-green-sustainable-design-was-probably-wrong.html
http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/musings/gba-prime-sneak-peek-reassessing-passive-solar-design-principles
http://www.treehugger.com/green-architecture/everything-i-ever-knew-or-said-about-green-sustainable-design-was-probably-wrong.html