Solar Position Calculator
Calculate the sun's azimuth and elevation angle for any date, time, and location on Earth.
How to Use the Solar Position Calculator
- Enter the latitude and longitude of your location (negative for South/West).
- Select the date and local time for which you want the solar position.
- Click Calculate to get the sun's elevation angle and azimuth direction.
- Review the additional results: declination, equation of time, and day length.
Schnellreferenz
| Von | Nach |
|---|---|
| March equinox (~Mar 20) | Declination 0° |
| June solstice (~Jun 21) | Declination +23.44° |
| September equinox (~Sep 22) | Declination 0° |
| December solstice (~Dec 21) | Declination −23.44° |
Anwendungsfälle
- •Planning solar panel orientation and tilt angle for maximum energy capture.
- •Determining shading patterns for architecture and urban design.
- •Photography and filmmaking — finding the golden hour and sun direction.
- •Astronomy and navigation education involving Earth-Sun geometry.
Formel
Solar position is calculated from the Julian Day Number, mean anomaly, equation of center, solar declination, and the hour angle. Elevation = arcsin(sin δ sin φ + cos δ cos φ cos H), where δ is declination, φ is latitude, H is hour angle.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
What is solar azimuth and elevation?
Solar elevation (altitude) is the angle of the sun above the horizon, ranging from 0° at sunrise/sunset to ~90° at solar noon near the equator. Azimuth is the compass direction of the sun measured clockwise from north (0° = North, 90° = East, 180° = South, 270° = West).
What is the equation of time?
The equation of time is the difference between apparent solar time (sundial time) and mean solar time (clock time). It arises from Earth's elliptical orbit and axial tilt, and varies between about −16 and +14 minutes throughout the year.
How is day length calculated?
Day length is calculated from the hour angle at sunrise and sunset. The sun rises when its elevation crosses 0° from below and sets when it crosses 0° from above. At latitudes above ~66.5° (Arctic/Antarctic circles), the sun may not rise or set for extended periods.