What is the Solar Angle Calculator?
Calculate solar elevation, azimuth, and solar noon altitude from latitude, date, and time with this free solar angle calculator. Find shadow length from sun angle and object height. Shows declination, hour angle, zenith angle, and step-by-step formulas. Runs entirely in your browser with no signup.
How to use the Solar Angle Calculator
- Choose Sun Position, Solar Noon Altitude, or Shadow Length mode.
- Enter latitude and date (month/day), plus solar time for full position.
- Click Calculate to get elevation, azimuth, and related angles.
- Use Shadow mode to find shadow length from elevation and object height.
- Copy results and calculation steps for solar design or homework.
Common use cases
- Finding solar noon altitude in New York on the summer solstice
- Calculating shadow length for a 2 m pole at 45° sun angle
- Determining sun azimuth for solar panel orientation
Frequently asked questions
- How is solar elevation calculated?
- sin(α) = sin(φ)sin(δ) + cos(φ)cos(δ)cos(H), where α is elevation, φ is latitude, δ is solar declination, and H is the hour angle (15° per hour from solar noon).
- What is solar declination?
- Solar declination is the angle between the Sun and the celestial equator. It varies from about +23.45° at the June solstice to −23.45° at the December solstice.
- What is the difference between elevation and azimuth?
- Elevation (altitude) is the Sun's angle above the horizon. Azimuth is the compass direction of the Sun measured clockwise from north.
- How do I calculate shadow length?
- Shadow length L = h ÷ tan(α), where h is object height and α is the solar elevation angle above the horizon.
