Pvlib-python: Simple analytical Azimuth method

[mikofski]

From Duffie/Beckman, Seinfeld/Pandis, etc. 1-line, very accurate.

[wholmgren]

What's the application? Efficient calculation of solar noon? We already have too many ways to calculation solar position, so I'm reluctant to add more unless there's a good use case for them.

[mikofski]

We have used it in the past, so I have to continue to support those calculations. Apples to apples.

It's literally a one liner, so not sure what the concern is. I think of pvlib as not just a tool box but also a single source of truth for PV formulas. Having this 1-liner completes the solar position calculation. Any IE coming across a random equation will need to vet it, whereas _if the analysis uses pvlib_, then the vetting has already been done. This saves time and money.

[wholmgren]

Now that I've looked at your updated #276 I think I understand what you're proposing. You want the equivalent of def solar_zenith_analytical(latitude, hour_angle, declination): for azimuth?

[mikofski]

Yes, thx. I'll probably submit a PR early next week 😀

[wholmgren]

closed by #349