Switch_On_At_Sunset.yaml

blueprint:
  name: Switch On At Sunset
  description: Turn on the following switches at sunset
  domain: automation
  input:
    # Create a variable for identifying the light to act upon
    target_switch:
      name: Switches
      description: This is the switch (or switches) that will be activated at sunset
      # Use a selector, to pick the light(s)
      selector:
        target:
         

    # Create a variable for capturing the desired offset for shifting the trigger
    elevation_shift:
      name: Elevation Shift
      description: Using an elevation offset (height of sun relative to the horizon) to shift the sunset trigger, either earlier or later. Positive values bring the automation start time forward, whilst negative values delay the start time.
      default: 0.0
      # Use a selector, to set the time shift or offset
      selector:
        number:
          min: -10.0
          max: 10.0
          mode: slider
          step: 1.0

# Prevent the automation from running concurrently
mode: single

# Define the variables used in the action section
variables:
  target_switch: !input target_switch

# Define the trigger for the automation
trigger:
  # Using the state of the sun to act as the trigger
  platform: numeric_state
  entity_id: sun.sun
  attribute: elevation
  # Can be a positive or negative number
  below: !input elevation_shift
  
# Add a condition to ensure that this only triggers near sunset, in the evening
condition:
  # Check that it is after sunrise
  condition: sun
  after: sunrise
  # Add a buffer to be sure
  after_offset: "01:00:00"  

# This section will take action on the lights, and turn them on
action:
  # A very simple structure of turning on the selected light(s)
  - service: homeassistant.turn_on
    target: !input target_switch

yes this controls both lights and switches in the same automation. there were other modifictions to control lights OR switches but i wanted both