High Precision Modelling For Solar Tracking Calculations

Abstract

The calculation of the orientation of the Sun with respect to a particular space-time point (terrestrial or orbital) is the basis for the use of solar resources. Progress in technological applications requires a continuous reduction in the uncertainty with which the Sun’s position is determined. This paper presents a series of algorithms based on a recent planetary ephemeris, which allows an error of less than 0.01 degrees in the coordinates that locate the Sun on the celestial sphere, and have been implemented in an open source program.