Sun Path & Solar Angles for Chicago, IL
Sun-path design data for Chicago, IL: solstice and equinox solar-noon altitude, shadow ratios, assumptions, and an architect-oriented shading worksheet.
Sun Path & Solar Angles for Chicago, IL
Direct answer
Calculated solar-noon angles and a first-pass fixed-shading worksheet for Chicago, IL, using transparent solar geometry rather than an unexplained chart.
Key facts
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Latitude | 41.8781° N | Chicago, IL |
| June solstice noon | 71.6° | south at solar noon |
| Equinox noon | 48.1° | geometric solar noon |
| December solstice noon | 24.7° | geometric solar noon |
Calculated solar-noon geometry
| Date | Declination | Altitude | Projection / vertical shade distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| June solstice | +23.44° | 71.56° | 0.333 |
| Equinox | 0° | 48.12° | 0.897 |
| December solstice | -23.44° | 24.68° | 2.176 |
Projection ratio = 1 / tan(solar altitude). Multiply the ratio by the vertical distance the noon shadow must cover. Use this only as a hand check before a full-year study.
Chicago, IL shading record
Record facade azimuth, window head and sill, overhang height, required shaded dates and hours, coordinates (41.8781° N), time zone (America/Chicago), calculation method, surrounding obstructions, reviewer and date. Compare the full model against the three noon ratios above and retain screenshots of the critical summer and shoulder-season hours. Verify hourly positions with the NOAA Solar Calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What is the sun angle in Chicago, IL at the summer solstice?
The declination-only solar-noon altitude is approximately 71.6°. This is a transparent geometry check, not a substitute for an hourly solar-position calculation.
Can this size a final overhang?
No. Final shading must test occupied hours, facade azimuth, glass geometry, local horizon, adjacent buildings, terrain, daylight and thermal performance.
Related
Source & method: Original calculation using latitude 41.8781° N and declinations +23.44°, 0°, and -23.44°. Formula: altitude = 90° - |latitude - declination|. Time zone: America/Chicago. Verify occupied-hour positions with the NOAA Solar Calculator; values omit refraction, equation of time, terrain, obstructions, and facade azimuth.