Urban Front
optimizing sunlight in home design
The angle of the sun, ever-changing with the seasons, paints the canvas of our world with shifting shadows and golden hues, guiding the rhythm of nature’s dance.
The sun angle in Aligarh changes throughout the year due to the tilt of the Earth’s axis and the position of the sun in the sky. In general, during the summer months (June to August), the sun is higher in the sky and its angle is more vertical, while during the winter months (December to February), the sun is lower in the sky and its angle is more oblique. Sun angle refers to the position of the sun in the sky relative to the observer’s location. It’s an expression of the sun’s altitude, which is the angular distance of the sun above the horizon, and the sun’s azimuth, which is the angular position of the sun around the observer, measured in degrees from North.
In architecture, for example, the sun angle and sunlight penetration affect the amount of sunlight that enters a building, and they are used to design buildings that maximize daylight and minimize overheating.
In Aligarh, which is located in the Northern Hemisphere, the sun is at its highest point in the sky (i.e., the highest angle) on or around June 21, which is the summer solstice. On this day, the sun’s angle at solar noon (i.e., when the sun is at its highest point in the sky) is approximately 85.4 degrees. During the winter solstice on or around December 21, the sun’s angle at solar noon is approximately 49.5 degrees. For more details on sun angle for city Aligarh, click here.
Note: It’s worth noting that the exact sun angle in Aligarh will vary depending on the time of day and weather conditions. The above angles are for solar noon, when the sun is at its highest point in the sky. The sun angle will be lower in the morning and evening and may also be affected by cloud cover or other weather conditions.
Sunlight Penetration into South-facing Homes.
The depth of sunlight infiltration into a south-facing residence is contingent upon multiple factors, encompassing the sun’s angle, window orientation and dimensions, and window glazing properties. Broadly, in summer, when the sun is elevated and intense, sunlight can penetrate deeper into such homes. Nevertheless, to mitigate excessive heat and glare, employing shading mechanisms like overhangs or exterior shades is commonly advised to deter direct sunlight ingress.
Conversely, during winter, when the sun sits lower, sunlight enters at a shallower angle, permeating further into south-facing abodes. This presents an opportunity for passive solar heating, leveraging the sun’s warmth to naturally heat the home. To optimize this, employing energy-efficient glazing is recommended, enabling sunlight ingress while curbing heat loss.
In essence, the extent of sunlight penetration into a south-facing dwelling during summer and winter hinges on several variables, including solar angle, window alignment, size, and glazing type. In summer, shading tactics can manage heat gain, while in winter, energy-efficient glazing facilitates solar heating.
Sunlight Penetration into north-facing Homes.
In contrast to south-facing homes, north-facing residences experience varying sunlight penetration due to the sun’s predominantly southern position in the Northern Hemisphere. This results in reduced direct sunlight, particularly evident during winter months when the sun’s angle is lower.
Throughout summer, north-facing homes receive some direct sunlight during early morning and late afternoon when the sun’s angle is lower. This provides natural light without excessive heat. However, during midday, the higher sun angle shades the home, creating a cooler yet potentially darker interior.
In winter, north-facing homes receive less direct sunlight compared to south-facing counterparts. Nonetheless, indirect sunlight still filters in, offering natural light and warmth. Strategic home design can optimize the capture and distribution of this sunlight for enhanced comfort and reduced reliance on artificial lighting and heating.
In summary, while sunlight penetration into north-facing homes is generally lower than in south-facing ones, leveraging design strategies to harness available natural light can enhance comfort and reduce energy consumption.