Solar access measurement

A method of determining solar access at a predetermined position within a 3D CAD model utilizing a Solar Access Measurement Device (SAMD), the method comprising:

• tracing a first ray from the predetermined position of the SAMD to the sun at a first sun location;
• determining whether the first ray intersects an obstruction;
• tracing at least a second ray from the predetermined position of the SAMD to the sun at at least one additional sun location;
• determining whether the at least a second ray intersects the obstruction or another obstruction;
• and
• calculating solar access at the predetermined position based on whether the first ray intersects the obstruction and whether the at least a second ray intersects the obstruction or another obstruction.

A Solar Access Measurement Device (“SAMD”) located at a predetermined location, the SAMD configured to:

• transmit a number of rays to a number of locations of the sun in a 3D model;
• determine, for each ray of the number of rays, whether each ray of the number of rays intersects at least one obstruction;
• and
• calculate solar access associated with the predetermined location based on whether or not each ray intersects the at least one obstruction.

A Solar Access Measurement Device (“SAMD”) located at a predetermined location, the SAMD comprising:

• a detector configured to:
• transmit light to a number of sun locations along a number of paths;
• and
• detect whether light is reflected along each path of the number of paths;
• and
• a processor in signal communication with the detector and configured to determine solar access of the predetermined location based on whether light is reflected along each path of the number of paths.