Sun simulation software
Last Post 06 Aug 2014 05:40 PM by Jelly. 4 Replies.
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NewHoosierUser is Offline
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05 Aug 2014 06:19 AM
I'm looking for (fairly) simple software that allows me to: - Enter my location - View the position and angle of the sun at any desired date and time. - Allows me to draw a simple house and view shade at any time of the day. - Extra info like heat when unclouded. - Predominant wind during each season. Reason: I want to find the most ideal orientation of my house/windows within the restrictions of my parcel. I want a porch but am not sure about the sizing of the roof. I want to block the summer sun but take advange of the winter sun. I'm mainly looking for some visual represation.
Connersville IN - Lat 39.64 N - Zone 5A (near zone 4)
ICFHybridUser is Offline
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05 Aug 2014 10:41 AM
That would be SketchUp, freeware by Google.  Does much of that.
eljayUser is Offline
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06 Aug 2014 11:19 AM
As ICFHybrid mentioned, for visual tools SketchUp works.
Here are some other resources that may give you quick ideas about where to start, albeit they do not address all of your planning needs:
http://suncalc.net/
http://www.susdesign.com/tools.php

If you are thinking of installing solar panels down the road and want to orient your roofs for maximum solar power gain, here's another useful website that will tell you how much power production you can expect based on orientation, tilt and your location:
http://pvwatts.nrel.gov/

NewHoosierUser is Offline
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06 Aug 2014 12:25 PM
Thanks to both of you.
Keep 'm coming :-)
Connersville IN - Lat 39.64 N - Zone 5A (near zone 4)
JellyUser is Offline
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06 Aug 2014 05:40 PM
ICFHybrid, are you sure the free version of sketchup lets you input exact sun angle, or is that only in the pro version?
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