Geometry of Solar Envelopes
Publication: Journal of Surveying Engineering
Volume 112, Issue 1
Abstract
With the utilization of alternative energy resources in North America have come various mechanisms for protecting access to sunlight. The mathematical aspects of the problem have not been thoroughly treated in the literature. A solar envelope, over a parcel of land, defines the three‐dimensional figure within which objects may be placed without obstructing sunlight to adjoiners during a specific time interval on all days of the year. A mathematical development of the geometry of solar envelopes is presented. A computational example and an analysis of the effects of errors inherent in some assumptions are included. Such treatments are necessary as legal descriptions of solar easements are being prepared and subdivision design constraints include provision of solar access to each lot.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Surveying Engineering
Volume 112 • Issue 1 • June 1986
Pages: 3 - 17
Copyright
Copyright © 1986 ASCE.
History
Published online: Jun 1, 1986
Published in print: Jun 1986
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