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Written and reviewed by Pergola Wiki Editorial TeamSee editorial method and revision history
Climate response diagram connecting sun, rain, wind, snow and corrosion exposure to design decisions
Climate is a set of separate actions and exposures, not one all-weather label. Original diagram by Pergola Wiki.
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Separate inputs for solar orientation, rainfall, wind, snow or ice and corrosive exposure feed into different design responses. These responses include shade geometry, drainage and overflow, structural operating states, material and finish selection, maintenance access and project-specific controls.

Key takeaways

  • Low sun is harder to block with horizontal louvers.
  • East and west conditions often need vertical or adjustable elements.
  • Shading goals differ between heating and cooling climates.

On this page

  1. Geometry
  2. Climate intent
  3. Use time-based sun analysis
  4. Balance daylight, heat and view

Geometry

Deep members and close spacing increase shade when the sun is high, but can reduce winter daylight. Low morning and afternoon sun often passes below an overhead plane and may require screens, planting or adjusted orientation.

Climate intent

In cooling-dominated climates, limiting unwanted solar gain can improve comfort. In cold climates, permanent shading can conflict with beneficial winter sun, so adjustable systems may offer a better seasonal balance.

Source tier 3Source-register entry
U.S. Department of Energy — Energy-efficient windows, doors and skylights
Government guidance on exterior overhangs, sunscreens and solar heat gain.

Use time-based sun analysis

North-arrow orientation alone is not a shade study. Evaluate the hours of use, seasonal solar altitude and azimuth, adjacent glazing, reflective surfaces and the shadow cast by member depth. A design that blocks high summer sun may admit useful low winter sun, while east and west exposure often needs different geometry from midday control.

Balance daylight, heat and view

More shade can reduce solar gain but also darken interior rooms, obstruct sky view and increase dependence on lighting. Record the priority for each façade and test representative dates and times. Adjustable louvers add flexibility, but only if their range, control logic and glare consequences are understood.

Source tier 3Source-register entry
U.S. Department of Energy — Building envelope and architectural considerations
Government guidance on orientation, daylighting and shading.

Primary sources and scope

Source tier 3Source-register entry
U.S. Department of Energy — Energy-efficient windows, doors and skylights
Government guidance on exterior overhangs, sunscreens and solar heat gain.
Source tier 3Source-register entry
U.S. Department of Energy — Building envelope and architectural considerations
Government guidance on orientation, daylighting and shading.

Cite this page

Pergola Wiki Editorial Team. “Solar orientation and shading.” Pergola Wiki. Reviewed 24 July 2026. https://pergola.wiki/articles/solar-orientation/

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