An automated canopy positioning system for providing solar protection is disclosed. The automated canopy positioning system orients the canopy of the umbrella in relation to the sun so that a shade at a predetermined location is provided thereunder. The system has a canopy for providing shade in response to light impacting the upper surface, a first photodetector for detecting the amount of light in the shaded area and for generating a photocurrent in response to the light incident thereon, a control circuit for receiving the photocurrent and for generating a control signal in dependence thereon, and a positioning mechanism coupled with the canopy for spatially orienting the canopy in response to the control signal.