Thinking about my last post Aquaponics Through the Looking Glass, I remembered that I'd done some research awhile back using the solar positioning tool at SunCalc.net and even compiled a little composite animation for my exact window well location:


In addition, I've learned that glass will reflect rather than transmit light when it is incident at greater than 56 degrees. I'll have to keep that in mind when planning my mirrored bank shots of sunshine and designing my greenhouse, so as to maximize winter sunlight and minimize summer heat. I've calculated that the solstice peak solar angle (at noon) will be at 73 degrees above the southern horizon for my location (latitude 39.5 degrees). Winter peak angle will be 27 degrees. Equinox peaks will of course be 39.5. I have not investigated the critical angle for polycarbonate, as my preferred material is glass.