Azimuth Angle (Solar)

Category: science

The compass direction from which sunlight originates, measured relative to true north.

Azimuth defines the horizontal alignment orientation. In the Northern Hemisphere, an array facing true south has an azimuth angle of 180 degrees, which maximizes total annual power yield. West-facing arrays (270° azimuth) are sometimes chosen to match late-afternoon peak consumption demands.

Common Examples

• The architect calculated the roof’s azimuth angle to verify if an eastern layout orientation would generate adequate winter energy.
• Single-axis solar tracking arrays continuously adjust their horizontal azimuth angle to follow the sun’s path from dawn to dusk.