def aoi_projection(surface_tilt, surface_azimuth, solar_zenith, solar_azimuth):
    """
    Calculates the dot product of the sun position unit vector and the surface
    normal unit vector; in other words, the cosine of the angle of incidence.

    Usage note: When the sun is behind the surface the value returned is
    negative.  For many uses negative values must be set to zero.

    Input all angles in degrees.

    Parameters
    ----------
    surface_tilt : numeric
        Panel tilt from horizontal.
    surface_azimuth : numeric
        Panel azimuth from north.
    solar_zenith : numeric
        Solar zenith angle.
    solar_azimuth : numeric
        Solar azimuth angle.

    Returns
    -------
    projection : numeric
        Dot product of panel normal and solar angle.
    """

    projection = (
        tools.cosd(surface_tilt) * tools.cosd(solar_zenith) +
        tools.sind(surface_tilt) * tools.sind(solar_zenith) *
        tools.cosd(solar_azimuth - surface_azimuth))

    try:
        projection.name = 'aoi_projection'
    except AttributeError:
        pass

    return projection
Calculates the dot product of the sun position unit vector and the surface
    normal unit vector; in other words, the cosine of the angle of incidence.

    Usage note: When the sun is behind the surface the value returned is
    negative.  For many uses negative values must be set to zero.

    Input all angles in degrees.

    Parameters
    ----------
    surface_tilt : numeric
        Panel tilt from horizontal.
    surface_azimuth : numeric
        Panel azimuth from north.
    solar_zenith : numeric
        Solar zenith angle.
    solar_azimuth : numeric
        Solar azimuth angle.

    Returns
    -------
    projection : numeric
        Dot product of panel normal and solar angle.