Sun Azimuth Calculator
Calculate precise sun position angles for any location and time
Determine the sun's azimuth and elevation angles instantly. Perfect for solar panel installation, photography planning, architectural design, and gardening projects. Get accurate results for any location worldwide.
Location & Time Parameters
Quick Locations:
Calculation Results
Enter location and time parameters, then click "Calculate Sun Position" to see results
Solar Analysis Tools
When to Use Sun Azimuth Calculator
Solar Panel Installation
Optimize solar panel positioning by calculating sun angles throughout the year. Determine the best tilt and orientation for maximum energy generation at your specific location.
Photography Planning
Plan perfect golden hour and blue hour photography sessions. Calculate sun positions for landscape, portrait, and architectural photography to achieve optimal lighting conditions.
Architecture & Building Design
Analyze natural light penetration and shadow patterns for building design. Plan window placement, roof overhangs, and outdoor spaces for optimal solar exposure and energy efficiency.
Gardening & Landscaping
Track sunlight patterns throughout your garden to optimize plant placement. Ensure sun-loving plants get adequate exposure while protecting shade plants from harsh afternoon sun.
Real Estate & Property Analysis
Evaluate property sunlight exposure for buying or selling decisions. Assess natural lighting potential, seasonal variations, and impact on heating and cooling costs.
Scientific Research & Education
Support astronomical research, climate studies, and educational projects. Calculate precise sun positions for experiments, data collection, and teaching solar system concepts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a sun azimuth calculator?
A sun azimuth calculator is a tool that determines the sun's position in the sky by calculating its azimuth angle (horizontal direction from north) and elevation angle (height above the horizon) for any given location, date, and time. This information is crucial for solar panel installation, photography, architecture, and various scientific applications.
How accurate are the sun position calculations?
Our calculator provides highly accurate results using standard astronomical algorithms based on NOAA's Solar Position Algorithm. The accuracy is within 0.1 degrees for locations between 72°N and 72°S latitude, making it suitable for professional solar installations and scientific research.
What is the azimuth angle measured from?
Azimuth is measured clockwise from true north in degrees. 0° = North, 90° = East, 180° = South, 270° = West. This is the standard convention used in solar calculations and differs from some compass readings that may use magnetic north.
Can I use this for solar panel installation planning?
Yes, this calculator is perfect for solar panel planning. It helps determine optimal panel orientation and tilt by showing sun positions throughout the day and year. For maximum efficiency, panels should generally face the direction where the sun spends most time at your latitude.
Is the sun azimuth calculator free to use?
Yes, our sun azimuth calculator is completely free with no registration required. You can calculate unlimited sun positions for any location worldwide without any hidden costs or subscription fees.
How do I interpret elevation angle results?
Elevation angle is measured from the horizon upward in degrees. 0° means the sun is on the horizon, 90° means directly overhead (zenith), and negative values indicate the sun is below the horizon. Higher elevation angles provide more direct sunlight and energy.
What timezone should I use for calculations?
Use your local timezone offset from UTC. The calculator accounts for timezone differences to provide accurate local sun positions. For daylight saving time periods, adjust the offset accordingly (e.g., Eastern Daylight Time is UTC-4 instead of UTC-5).
Can I export the calculation results?
Yes, you can copy results to clipboard or export them as a text file. This is useful for documentation, sharing with team members, or importing into other software for further analysis and planning.
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