CHAPTER 21 I PASSIVE DESIGN Sun angle


 planet. Ireland’s position in the northern hemisphere means that the sun is to the south (over the 


This fact is very important when designing buildings that are going to be primarily heated by the sun’s energy (i.e. passive homes). For example, it is important to know the sun angle so that features, such as shading devices, can be included in the design to prevent overheating during the summer. The sun angle is also crucial to the positioning of solar panels to ensure maximum energy gain.


The sun angle varies because the earth is tilted on its axis. In the summer the earth is leaning towards the sun; in winter it leans away from the sun.


Athlone


53.4°


  = 53.4°N 


spring/autumn equinox


53.4°


36.6° 53.4°N


  13


‘horizon’


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