Angle of Sun by date and zip code?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the angle of the sun based on specific dates and geographical locations, particularly using zip codes. Participants explore various methods and resources to determine solar angles for applications such as solar panel efficiency and sundial construction.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in finding a chart that correlates sun angle with date and zip code, emphasizing the need for this information for solar projects.
  • Another participant notes that at an equinox, the sun's declination at midday equals the geographical latitude, suggesting the use of an analemma for other dates.
  • A different participant provides a link to NASA's Horizons system, which allows users to obtain solar position data based on location and time.
  • Another resource is suggested, the NSRDB, which may provide relevant solar data.
  • There is a question raised about the necessity of using zip codes, with a participant pointing out that some zip codes cover large areas.
  • A participant clarifies that zip codes are specific to the USA and suggests using latitude and longitude for broader applicability.
  • Another comment reiterates that zip codes are limited to the USA and a few other regions, humorously suggesting that trivia knowledge could be improved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the necessity of using zip codes versus latitude and longitude for determining sun angles. Multiple viewpoints regarding the best methods and resources remain present.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations include the dependence on geographical definitions and the potential inaccuracy of using zip codes for larger areas. The discussion also reflects varying levels of familiarity with solar data resources.

gary350
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TL;DR
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.
 
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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
 
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.
 
Does it have to be by Zip Code? Some, like 99740, are pretty big.
 
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.
 
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!
 
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