A sun position map is a diagram showing the sun's apparent path across the sky at specific times and dates for a given location. It plots solar elevation (height above the horizon) against azimuth (compass direction). These maps help improve solar panel installations, plan photography shoots, and analyze daylight patterns.
The sun's position changes daily due to Earth's axial tilt and orbit. A sun position map captures this movement by mapping elevation and azimuth angles. Elevation ranges from 0° (horizon) to 90° (zenith), while azimuth measures degrees clockwise from north (0°). For example, at solar noon, the sun reaches its highest elevation, directly south in the Northern Hemisphere.
Sun position maps come in two primary forms:
Architects use sun position maps to design energy-efficient buildings with optimal natural lighting. Photographers rely on them to schedule golden-hour shoots. Solar engineers reference these maps to angle panels for maximum sunlight exposure. For instance, a 30° tilt in Phoenix, Arizona, aligns with the winter solstice sun path, boosting solar energy production.
Sun position maps also help correct misconceptions about sunlight. Many assume the sun rises exactly east and sets exactly west year-round, but its actual path varies by season. On the summer solstice, the sun rises northeast and sets northwest in the Northern Hemisphere.
To interpret a sun position map, locate your latitude on the chart. Draw a curve representing the sun's daily arc. The curve's peak marks solar noon. For example, at 40°N latitude on June 21, the sun reaches 73.5° elevation at noon. Use this data to position solar panels or schedule outdoor activities during peak daylight.
I once used a sun position map to improve a rooftop solar range in Denver. By aligning panels with the map's indicated azimuth, we increased energy output by 15% compared to a standard flat installation.
Some confuse sun position maps with solar irradiance maps, which show sunlight intensity rather than the sun's location. Others assume these maps are static, but they vary by time zone and daylight saving adjustments. Always verify local time settings when using interactive tools.