Measure better. Compare consistently.
Practical sunlight and shadow guides.
These guides explain the inputs behind the simulator, the difference between direct sun and general brightness, and the checks that make a comparison more defensible.
Start with the basicsChoose a starting point
Match the question to one route, keep the point and dates consistent, and then use the interactive result to decide what to verify next.
Sun direction by season
Compare true-north azimuth, solar altitude, solstices and equinoxes before judging a facade or garden.
Read the seasonal guide Outdoor pointGarden sunlight calculator
Estimate direct-sun time at one growing point using two-minute samples and modeled obstacles.
Check a garden point Moving shadeShadow calculator
Project a measured building, wall or tree to see when its simplified shadow crosses an outdoor area.
Model a shadow Indoor beamWindow sunlight calculator
Use window dimensions, sill height and facing bearing to estimate direct-beam reach across a simple room.
Check a window Solar screeningSolar shading checker
Screen obvious modeled obstructions around a proposed solar point before seeking professional energy-yield analysis.
Screen a solar pointBuild a repeatable planning method
Read only the guide relevant to your decision, or use the full set as a field checklist before opening a focused calculator.
Sunlight Basics: Altitude, Azimuth and Shadows
A clear introduction to solar altitude, azimuth, sunrise, sunset and the geometry behind a level-ground shadow.
Read guide Planning guideHow Sun Direction Changes by Season
Understand why sunrise, sunset, solar altitude, and facade exposure change during the year, and how to compare dates without relying on compass myths.
Read guide Planning guideHow to Measure an Obstacle for a Shadow Estimate
Collect practical height, width, position, and orientation inputs for a building, wall, or tree before using a shadow calculator.
Read guide Planning guideHow to Compare Sunlight Between Apartments
Use a repeatable checklist for facade direction, floor height, nearby buildings, window geometry, and seasonal dates when comparing homes.
Read guide Planning guideHow to Estimate Sun Hours for a Garden Bed
Compare daylight with modeled direct sun using a reproducible Sydney example, explicit screen dimensions and a record you can repeat through a growing season.
Read guide Planning guideHow to Plan Golden-Hour Direction for a Photo
Use solar altitude, azimuth, subject position, and local blockers to plan front, side, or back light near sunrise and sunset.
Read guide Planning guideHow Much Sun Does My House Get? Map One Point at a Time
Check sun direction over a house, compare summer and winter, and distinguish daylight from direct sun. Includes a worked shadow example and a site-check worksheet.
Read guide Planning guideSite Sunlight Analysis: A Reproducible Shadow Study
Run a preliminary site solar analysis with a worked wall example. Compare summer and winter direct-sun hours, document inputs and understand model limits.
Read guideUse a repeatable sunlight workflow
The useful output is a transparent comparison, not extra decimal places.
- 01
Place the receiving point
Pin the actual bed, window, balcony or array point. An address search only centres the map.
- 02
Declare the inputs
Use local dates and times, true-north orientation, metres for dimensions and measured or clearly estimated obstacle heights.
- 03
Compare the dates that matter
Use a solstice and an equinox, or the beginning, middle and end of the real growing, rental or event period.
- 04
Verify the decisive assumption
If the answer changes when a height, bearing or blocker is varied, measure that input or seek a professional assessment.
Methodology version 1.1 · Hub reviewed August 25, 2026 · Read the methodology