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Solar · Orientation

Sun Hours Estimator

Estimate peak sun hours and solar gain by city, season and facade orientation — for passive solar design decisions.

Location

°N/S

Overrides city selection

Facade Orientation

Estimated Peak Sun Hours

Summer

hrs/day

Spring/Autumn

hrs/day

Winter

hrs/day

Annual avg

hrs/day

All-facades comparison (annual average)

N

NE

E

SE

S

SW

W

NW

Solar Gain Estimate

Peak solar gain (summer)

W

Useful gain (winter)

W

Design Guidance

South-facing (N hemisphere)

Best for passive solar gain in winter. Use overhangs to block high summer sun. Ideal for living spaces.

East-facing

Morning sun — good for bedrooms and breakfast areas. Lower afternoon heat gain.

West-facing

Afternoon/evening sun. Can cause overheating in summer — use external shading or high-performance glazing.

North-facing

Diffuse light, minimal solar gain. Good for studios needing consistent north light. Minimize glazing here.

Irradiance reference

Peak irradiance (clear day) ~1000 W/m²
Diffuse (overcast) 100–200 W/m²
UK annual average ~2.8 hrs/day
Dubai annual average ~6.5 hrs/day
Singapore annual ~4.5 hrs/day