What factor do sun path charts primarily differ based on?

Sun path charts primarily differ based on latitude because the position of the sun in the sky changes significantly with geographic location. Latitude determines the angle at which sunlight strikes the Earth, which in turn influences both the sun's altitude (how high it appears in the sky) and its azimuth (the compass direction).

For instance, locations closer to the equator experience different sun paths throughout the year compared to locations at higher latitudes, such as polar regions. In equatorial regions, the sun is almost directly overhead at noon throughout the year, while in higher latitudes, the sun takes a much lower trajectory across the sky, especially during winter months. This variation affects not only the sun's position but also the length of daylight hours across seasons, making latitude a crucial factor in the design and placement of solar energy systems.

Understanding the differences in sun paths based on latitude helps in optimizing solar panel installation for maximum energy capture.