Solar & Daylight Data
Sun Path & Solar Angles for Portland, OR
Calculated solar-noon angles and a first-pass fixed-shading worksheet for Portland, OR, using transparent solar geometry rather than an unexplained chart.
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Last updated August 17, 2026 · Original calculation using latitude 45.5152° N and declinations +23.44°, 0°, and -23.44°. Formula: altitude = 90° - |latitude - declination|. Time zone: America/Los_Angeles. Verify occupied-hour positions with the NOAA Solar Calculator; values omit refraction, equation of time, terrain, obstructions, and facade azimuth.
Direct answer
Calculated solar-noon angles and a first-pass fixed-shading worksheet for Portland, OR, using transparent solar geometry rather than an unexplained chart. A key reference is latitude: 45.5152° N; check the cited source, edition, units, and applicability before using it for design, compliance, procurement, or approval. Latitude is 45.5152° N; Portland, OR. June solstice noon is 67.9°; south at solar noon. Equinox noon is 44.5°; geometric solar noon. 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. Read the values with the cited source, edition or observation period, units and applicability; replace illustrative inputs with current project evidence before design, procurement or approval use.
Content and cited inputs reviewed by Scott Barrington, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-08-17 · Updated 2026-08-17.
Calculated solar-noon geometry
| Date | Declination | Altitude | Projection / vertical shade distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| June solstice | +23.44° | 67.92° | 0.406 |
| Equinox | 0° | 44.48° | 1.018 |
| December solstice | -23.44° | 21.04° | 2.599 |
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.
Portland, OR shading record
Record facade azimuth, window head and sill, overhang height, required shaded dates and hours, coordinates (45.5152° N), time zone (America/Los_Angeles), 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.
Where can you explore related guidance?
- Explore all solar data guidance
- Understanding Sun-Path Diagrams
- Solar Altitude and Azimuth Explained
- Climate Design Data Workflow for Portland, OR
Sources and method
Original calculation using latitude 45.5152° N and declinations +23.44°, 0°, and -23.44°. Formula: altitude = 90° - |latitude - declination|. Time zone: America/Los_Angeles. Verify occupied-hour positions with the NOAA Solar Calculator; values omit refraction, equation of time, terrain, obstructions, and facade azimuth.
Source links
Frequently asked questions
What is the sun angle in Portland, OR at the summer solstice?
The declination-only solar-noon altitude is approximately 67.9°. 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.
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