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Theoretically, the solar azimuth at sunrise at the equator is -90°, 0° at solar noon and 90° at sunset. These angles change with the seasons based on the solar altitude. During the day the sun azimuth angle changes from a negative angle (sunrise or East of due South) to a positive angle (sunset or West of due South). Solar azimuth is the angle of the sun in relation to due South at any given time. Keep in mind that West longitude and South latitude must be entered as negative values in most programs. To find the latitude and longitude for your project location, go to Google Earth. Solar altitude and azimuth for specific locations, by date, are available at You can also find your own favorite websites by doing a search for "Sun Position Tools". Locations futher North will have lower solar altitudes than Southern locations. An angle perpendicular to the Earth's surface is 90° (which only happens near the equator). Solar altitude is the angle of the sun to the Earth's surface. Click the dates above to view the hourly solar altitudes. Cooling seasons for locations further South will likely be longer and Northern climates shorter.
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The explanation can be as simple or as complicated as we want to make it. The intent of this page is to show you how it works and give you insight into designing a louvered sunshade system that is right for your building, whether it is to be located in Houston, TX or Minneapolis, MN. The benefits can be found in so many articles that we will not go into them here. The primary purpose of a sunshade is to control the amount of direct sunlight through your building's windows. Full Sun in Winter Control the Sun with Sunshades
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