Clear Sky Solar Access is the number of hours during the day that a specific location receives direct sunlight. Solar access is helpful for assessing the position of potential solar energy systems, understanding natural lighting conditions, and evaluating solar availability in an exterior space or on a building surface.
In Orbital Stack, the sky is assumed to be free from obstructions such as clouds, so the solar access measurement is only impacted by the built environment and any other geometry included in the simulation. Solar access is measured in hours over a given period, for a specific date.
Certain jurisdictions require a minimum number of hours of daylight on the equinox or solstice as part of their building codes (e.g. SEPP-65 in Australia). Orbital Stack’s Clear Sky Solar Access analysis is designed to provide early insights into this measurement.
What is it measuring?
The solar access color scale indicates the hours of direct, clear sky sunlight. Solar access between 0 and 2 hours is shown in dark grey colors for emphasis.
What options can I specify?
Time of Day, Date are set by the user.