Site-light interaction study — technical mapping
This document presents a neutral and systematic account of observed interactions between incident sunlight, surface geometry, and occluding objects at the sample property. The study emphasises documentation of angular relations, time-indexed exposure windows, and spatial topology of candidate capture areas. Visual diagrams and annotated imagery accompany textual descriptions to support reproducible interpretation of how the documented factors produce contiguous or fragmented capture regions and how these regions relate to possible internal routing corridors.
Sunlight path
The sunlight path component of the study records the apparent movement of the sun across daily and seasonal cycles with a focus on angular metrics that influence surface incidence. Hourly azimuth and elevation traces were sampled for representative clear-sky and cloud-diffuse conditions, producing layered time-series traces for solstitial and equinoctial bounds. For each roof facet and selected ground observation, daily traces were plotted relative to local horizon profiles; these traces highlight the temporal windows when direct high-angle irradiation occurs and when low-angle or glancing incidence becomes the dominant mode of illumination. The study distinguishes intervals of direct view to the sky from intervals where the apparent sky is occluded by neighboring geometry. Low solar elevation periods are annotated for their role in increasing the relative importance of inter-surface reflection and diffuse sky irradiance, which can materially alter the pattern of angular exposure across faceted geometries. Time-indexed diagrams accompany the directional data to support cross-referencing of incident-angle envelopes with shading mask projections and capture polygon formation.
Surface orientation and roof geometry
Surface orientation analysis documents facet normals, slope gradients, and micro-orientation discontinuities across the building envelope. Each roof facet was defined as a planar patch with a local coordinate frame describing azimuth, tilt, and centroid position. Ridge lines, hips, valleys, dormers, parapets, and penetrations were annotated and included in the facet connectivity graph to preserve adjacency topology. Micro-variations in tilt and local stepping of the surface can create distinct angular sub-regimes within a single nominal facet; these sub-regimes were retained in the data model to permit fine-grained intersection with sunlight traces and shading masks. Facet connectivity supports the derivation of linear layout corridors where contiguous facet alignment permits arraying. Orientation data are provided as geometric descriptors rather than prescriptive recommendations. The study quantifies angular exposure distributions per facet and provides sample histograms of incident-angle frequency over representative days to document the geometric role in temporal exposure modulation.
Shading layers and occluder classification
Shading was modelled as a layered sequence of occluder masks categorized by permanence and motion. Permanent occluders include adjacent building silhouettes, chimneys, and fixed equipment. Seasonal occluders include vegetative canopies whose vertical extent and foliage density change with phenology. Transient occluders include movable vehicles and temporary site structures. For each observation point, a horizon profile was recorded as an angular elevation array sampled at one-degree azimuth resolution; occluders project onto receiving facets through ray-plane intersection along the recorded sun path. Composite shading schedules were derived by combining horizon masks with time-indexed sun traces to create boolean coverage maps per facet per hour. Partial shading strips and knife-edge occlusions were annotated where occluder geometry produces intermittent coverage across typical array widths. The analysis emphasises how shading masks interact with facet orientation and sun movement to create persistent exclusion zones or ephemeral shading events that modify the continuity of capture polygons. Shading outputs are presented as neutral spatial fields for comparative inspection rather than as constraints that prescribe specific interventions.
Capture zones — polygonal mapping
Capture zones are defined as spatial polygons produced by the intersection of incident-angle envelopes, facet connectivity, and composite shading masks. Incident-angle envelopes were calculated for each facet by projecting sun vectors across sampled time-steps and recording the angular range of direct exposure where the facet normal produces positive cosine values relative to the sun vector. Polygons were constrained to contiguous facet areas where panel arraying is topologically feasible given ridge and valley interruptions. Shading masks subtract occluded regions producing effective capture polygons that reflect both geometry and temporal occlusion. Each polygon is annotated with metadata that includes the sampled incident-angle distribution, the proportion of time with direct view to the sun, and adjacency metrics for potential conduit access points. The capture zone layer is intended as a descriptive spatial dataset that informs subsequent layout sketches or routing diagrams; the mapping preserves uncertainty annotations and measurement provenance to support later technical review without asserting outcomes or system-level performance predictions.
Internal routing and physical interaction with building fabric
Internal routing maps potential pathways for electrical routing from capture polygons to interior junction locations while documenting physical constraints presented by the building fabric. Candidate routes were traced using existing service chases, accessible attic space, and wall cavities where inspection indicated feasible transitions. Routing sketches include annotation of penetration points, conduit transitions, length segments, and service junction candidates. The routing analysis focuses on spatial feasibility: available volumes, access panels, and conflict points with structural elements or mechanical services. For each proposed route segment the study records a list of required observation checks—such as attic clearance verification and firewall penetration review—rather than prescriptive installation steps. The routing output is presented as an interaction layer linking capture polygons to interior reference points, and it is accompanied by photographic context and measured offsets to support site verification work without specifying components or methods beyond spatial routing feasibility.
Observation points and data records
Observation points provide repeatable reference positions for collecting horizon profiles, timestamped imagery, and local obstruction descriptors. The study defines a minimal observation grid that includes roof ridge points, parapet edges, representative eave corners, ground-level vantage points on cardinal facades, and selected attic access positions. At each observation point a standard data packet was collected: panoramic imagery with orientation metadata, an azimuth-elevation horizon profile sampled at one-degree azimuth resolution, and a short positional descriptor referencing local building features. Observation records include timezone-annotated timestamps and instrument notes describing lens, mounting height, and any temporary occluders present during capture. The point-based dataset permits longitudinal comparison and supports cross-validation between photogrammetric facet geometry and direct horizon observations. Aggregated observation data are provided with provenance metadata to enable reviewers to assess measurement quality and to replicate sampling where required. The study preserves neutrality by presenting observation data as reference inputs for interpretation rather than as prescriptive directives.