Calculate the sun's position (altitude and azimuth) for any location, date, and time. Essential for solar panels and photography.
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The Solar Position Calculator determines the precise location of the sun in the sky for any moment in time. Whether you're installing solar panels, planning a photograph, or designing a building with optimal lighting, knowing the sun's altitude and azimuth is crucial for success.
Solar position is described by two angles: altitude (elevation above the horizon, 0-90°) and azimuth (compass direction from north, 0-360°). These angles change throughout the day as Earth rotates and throughout the year as Earth orbits the Sun.
Solar Altitude Formula
sin(h) = sin(φ)sin(δ) + cos(φ)cos(δ)cos(H)Optimize solar panel tilt and orientation for maximum energy capture.
Plan window placement, shading, and passive solar heating.
Plan golden hour shots and predict lighting conditions.
Calculate optimal tilt angle based on sun's path throughout the year.
Predict shadow lengths and directions for architectural planning.
Calculate hour angles for accurate sundial construction.
Plan outdoor shoots with predictable lighting conditions.
Solar altitude is the angle of the sun above the horizon, measured in degrees. At 0° the sun is at the horizon, at 90° it's directly overhead (only possible near the equator).
Solar azimuth is the compass direction of the sun measured clockwise from north. East is 90°, south is 180°, and west is 270°.
Shadow length depends on the sun's altitude. When the sun is low (small altitude), shadows are long. When the sun is high (large altitude), shadows are short. The ratio is: shadow = object height / tan(altitude).
The hour angle measures how far the sun has traveled across the sky from solar noon. It's 0° at solar noon, negative in the morning, and positive in the afternoon, increasing by 15° per hour.