posted 11 years ago
Of course you use true orientation, but also take into consideration any obstacles to solar exposure at your location.
Personally I enjoy finding true north at night using the North Star. My husband, who has designed a lot of solar heated buildings, prefers a plumb line and shadow at 12:20, which he says is solar noon here. Or you can google how to find the magnetic north declination for your location.
Works at a residential alternative high school in the Himalayas SECMOL.org . "Back home" is Cape Cod, E Coast USA.