Is solar gain included in heating load?

[selcuk]

I have the results of a room including the solar gain and heating sensible load. I both checked and unchecked the suncast link and run the simulation twice. Solar gain results are more when I unchecked the suncast. I am confused. What does suncast check put into the apache simulation? Solar calculations or shading?

[Terence]

SunCast models external shading / self shading / shading from surrounding buildings or topography it also accounts for diffuse shading and, as a consequence, accounts for long wave radiation losses. As SunCast tracks the path of sun throughout the building it accurately accounts for the position of the solar gain in the correct room/zone. Solar tracking is imperative for thermal modelling.

In short if someone is serious about thermal/energy modelling SunCast is essential.