1. What is Solar Elevation Angle?

The solar elevation angle (θ) is the angle between the sun and the horizontal plane at solar noon. It represents how high the sun appears in the sky and varies with latitude, season, and time of day.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the solar elevation angle formula:

Where:

• \( \theta \) — Solar elevation angle at noon (degrees)
• \( \text{Latitude} \) — Geographic latitude of location (degrees)
• \( \text{Declination} \) — Solar declination angle (degrees)

Explanation: This formula calculates the sun's maximum height above the horizon at solar noon, which occurs when the sun crosses the local meridian.

3. Importance of Solar Elevation Calculation

Details: Solar elevation angle is crucial for solar energy system design, architecture, agriculture, photography, and understanding seasonal variations in sunlight intensity and duration.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter latitude in degrees (-90 to +90, negative for Southern Hemisphere), and solar declination in degrees (-23.5 to +23.5). Values must be within valid ranges.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is solar declination?
A: Solar declination is the angle between the rays of the sun and the plane of the Earth's equator. It varies throughout the year due to Earth's axial tilt.

Q2: How does latitude affect solar elevation?
A: Higher latitudes generally have lower solar elevation angles, resulting in less intense sunlight and longer shadows, especially during winter months.

Q3: What are typical solar elevation values?
A: At equator: 66.5° to 113.5° (varies with season). At poles: 0° to 47° (with extended periods of no sun in winter).

Q4: Why is solar elevation important for solar panels?
A: Optimal solar panel tilt angle is often set equal to the location's latitude to maximize annual energy production.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: This provides the theoretical maximum elevation at solar noon. Actual elevation varies slightly due to atmospheric refraction and other factors.