This may be a late reply about placinf hives in sun or shade.  Where to feral
bees
and wild bees place their nests. Usually in shaded or wooded areas I believe.
Could this be a lead.
 
However my best performing hive gets the most sun of my measly three hives.
I m trying a new location next here for one hive in an area partially
enclosed in a high stone wall . It is partially shades so it does not get
very hot, and in the winter is better protected from the wind and snow.