Angle of Sun by date and zip code?

In summary, the conversation is about a sun dial, and the person is trying to figure out the angle of the sun on a certain date in order to get the best efficiency from their solar panels.
  • #1
gary350
274
66
TL;DR Summary
Angle of sun by date & zip code.
I don't know the correct works search to find this info online. I have been doing word searches since about Dec 15, 2022 but not finding what I want.??????? Some where there much be a chart by date and zip code for sun angle.

I built a sun dial in the yard to learn the angle of the sun on certain days. I found information on angle or reflation online. I have 9 solar panels to put up and 2 solar projects plus a tiny green house. If I know angle of sun on certain date and the date that I need to get max sun on solar projects then I can determine the angle of each project to get the max efficiency at a certain date.

TN is zip 37129 we have about 95% over cast and very dark clouds this time of the year so my sun dial often gives me no information most of the time. Yesterday sun came and went over and over and today too. Our solar 12 noon is 11:55 am but now we are on daylight saving time our solar 12 noon is 12.55 pm. If we have clouds for 1 hour at 12:55 pm I get no good angle readying on the sun dial.
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
  • #2
At an equinox, the declination of the Sun at midday is your geographical latitude. The analemma will give you the declination on other dates. Given the date and your latitude, you can read the equation of time and the changing declination from the diagram. The equation of time needs to have minutes adjusted for your longitude within your 15° wide time zone.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Analemma#As_seen_from_Earth
 
  • #3
NASA has the Horizons system web page:
https://ssd.jpl.nasa.gov/horizons/app.html#/
It allows you to pick an object (such as the Sun), a viewing location, time range and step size, filter the information you want ( such as Azimuth and Elevation), and then produce a table with the results.
 
  • #4
Try this: https://nsrdb.nrel.gov/

But I bet if you used solar power in your search terms there are a bunch if resources.
 
  • #5
Does it have to be by Zip Code? Some, like 99740, are pretty big.
 
  • #6
Zip codes only work in the USA, with access to the official database.
Latitude and longitude work everywhere that Google Earth has coverage.
The local time correction to the analemma = (Longitude MOD 15°) * 4 minutes.
 
  • #7
Baluncore said:
Zip codes only work in the USA
And the Federates States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands., Oh, and can't forget the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas.

You need to play more trivia contests in bars!
 
  • Like
Likes sophiecentaur and Baluncore

FAQ: Angle of Sun by date and zip code?

How can I calculate the angle of the sun for a specific date and zip code?

To calculate the angle of the sun for a specific date and zip code, you need to determine the solar position, which includes the solar altitude and azimuth angles. This can be done using solar position calculators available online, or by using software like NOAA's Solar Calculator or the Solar and Moon Position Algorithm (SAMPA). These tools require inputs such as the date, time, and geographic coordinates corresponding to the zip code.

What factors affect the angle of the sun at a given location?

The angle of the sun at a given location is primarily affected by the date and time, the latitude and longitude of the location, and the Earth's axial tilt. Seasonal changes due to the Earth's orbit around the Sun also play a significant role, causing variations in solar angle throughout the year.

Why is the angle of the sun important?

The angle of the sun is important for several reasons, including solar energy production, agriculture, architecture, and daily activities. It affects the intensity and duration of sunlight received at a location, influencing temperature, plant growth, the design of buildings for natural lighting and heating, and the efficiency of solar panels.

Can I find historical sun angle data for a specific zip code?

Yes, historical sun angle data can often be found through various online databases and tools provided by meteorological organizations, academic institutions, or solar energy companies. These resources typically allow you to input a specific date and location to retrieve past solar position information.

How does daylight saving time affect the calculation of the sun's angle?

Daylight saving time (DST) affects the calculation of the sun's angle by shifting the clock time forward by one hour during the DST period. When calculating the sun's angle, it's important to use the correct local standard time and adjust for DST if necessary. Most solar position calculators account for this automatically if you provide the correct date and location.

Similar threads

I What is the angle of the Sun on June 21 & Dec 21 at US Zip Code 37129?
Replies
2
Views
2K
I Finding the Sun's Angle from Longitude, Latitude & Time/Date
Replies
9
Views
3K
B Should I use True North or Magnetic North to align my sundial?
Replies
15
Views
2K
I Calculating the incidence angle of the Sun
Replies
1
Views
2K
I New Developments In The Search For Planet X
Replies
2
Views
763
I How does BTU convert to heat in degrees in a greenhouse?
Replies
1
Views
692
I How to Calculate Solar Panel Angle to the Sun?
Replies
12
Views
3K
How to find true north not magnetic north?
2
Replies
67
Views
6K
Where is my calculation of sun angle incorrect?
Replies
15
Views
4K
Why isn't the sun's rate-of-change in elevation constant?
Replies
7
Views
5K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top