Question:

The correct statement regarding sun breakers in India is:

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To design effective shading systems in the Northern Hemisphere, match the orientation to the sun's altitude: - South Facades: Midday high-angle sun $\rightarrow$ Use Horizontal sun breakers. - East/West Facades: Morning/Evening low-angle sun $\rightarrow$ Use Vertical fins or louvers.
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
  • Horizontal sun breakers are considered most effective on South facades
  • Vertical sun breakers are considered most effective on South facades
  • Horizontal sun breakers are considered most effective on East and West facades
  • Sun breakers are not required in Indian context
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Concept: Designing passive solar shading requires aligning architectural components with the sun's seasonal paths across the sky. India sits primarily within the Northern Hemisphere. Consequently, the sun remains predominantly positioned in the southern sky for most of the year, reaching its highest angles above the horizon during midday. Step-by-step Explanation: To determine the best shading configuration, we analyze how solar angles vary across different building orientations:
South Facade Dynamics: Because the sun sits high in the southern sky at midday, solar rays strike south-facing walls from steep, high-altitude angles. Horizontal sun breakers (such as external overhangs, concrete chajjas, or horizontal louvers) project outward to block these high-angle rays while preserving eye-level views and indirect light. Therefore, statement (A) is correct and statement (B) is false.
East and West Facade Dynamics: During sunrise and afternoon sunset, the sun sits low on the horizon, shining rays at flat, low-altitude angles directly into east and west windows. Horizontal projections cannot block these low, penetrating rays. Instead, vertical sun breakers or fins are required to intercept the sun as it moves horizontally across the sky, making statement (C) incorrect.
Analysis of Option (D): Given India's tropical and subtropical climate zones, managing solar heat gain is essential to minimize mechanical cooling costs, making sun breakers highly valuable.
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