Solar PV Analysis of Bertem, Belgium
Bertem, Flanders, Belgium, situated at latitude 50.8607 and longitude 4.6289, offers a moderate potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. This location in the Northern Temperate Zone experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which impacts the effectiveness of photovoltaic (PV) systems.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar energy production in Bertem peaks during the summer months, with an average daily output of 5.25 kWh per kW of installed capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season, yielding 4.63 kWh/day. Autumn sees a considerable decrease to 2.46 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 1.18 kWh/day per kW installed.
The substantial difference between summer and winter production highlights the importance of properly sized systems to meet year-round energy needs. The most favorable period for solar generation spans from late spring through early autumn, typically from May to September.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Bertem, Flanders, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 43 degrees facing south. This angle optimizes the capture of available sunlight throughout the year, considering the location's latitude and seasonal sun paths.
Environmental Considerations
While Bertem's location is generally suitable for solar PV systems, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Cloud cover: Belgium's climate is characterized by frequent cloudy days, which can reduce solar irradiance and overall system efficiency.
- Precipitation: Regular rainfall and occasional snow in winter may temporarily decrease panel output and require periodic cleaning.
To mitigate these challenges, consider implementing the following measures:
- Use high-efficiency panels designed to perform well in diffuse light conditions.
- Install a robust mounting system to withstand potential snow loads and strong winds.
- Implement a regular cleaning schedule to remove dirt and debris that may accumulate on panels.
- Consider adding a solar tracking system to maximize energy capture, especially during periods of limited sunlight.
By addressing these factors and optimizing panel placement, solar PV systems in Bertem can still provide a significant contribution to renewable energy production, despite the seasonal variations and environmental challenges.
Note: The Northern Temperate Zone extends from 35° latitude North up to 66.5° latitude.
So far, we have conducted calculations to evaluate the solar photovoltaic (PV) potential in 201 locations across Belgium. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Belgium by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Bertem
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 50.8607, Longitude: 4.6289 (Bertem, Belgium), based on our analysis of 8760 hourly intervals of solar and meteorological data (one whole year) retrieved for that set of coordinates/location from NASA POWER (The Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resources) API:
Ideally tilt fixed solar panels 43° South in Bertem, Belgium
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Bertem, Belgium (Lat/Long 50.8607, 4.6289) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 43° South for fixed panel installations.
As the Earth revolves around the Sun each year, the maximum angle of elevation of the Sun varies by +/- 23.45 degrees from its equinox elevation angle for a particular latitude. Finding the exact optimal angle to maximise solar PV production throughout the year can be challenging, but with careful consideration of historical solar energy and meteorological data for a certain location, it can be done precisely.
We use our own calculation, which incorporates NASA solar and meteorological data for the exact Lat/Long coordinates, to determine the ideal tilt angle of a solar panel that will yield maximum annual solar output. We calculate the optimal angle for each day of the year, taking into account its contribution to the yearly total PV potential at that specific location.
Seasonally adjusted solar panel tilt angles for Bertem, Belgium
If you can adjust the tilt angle of your solar PV panels, please refer to the seasonal tilt angles below for optimal solar energy production in Bertem, Belgium. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 43° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 34° South in Summer | 54° South in Autumn | 64° South in Winter | 43° South in Spring |
Our recommendations take into account more than just latitude and Earth's position in its elliptical orbit around the Sun. We also incorporate historical solar and meteorological data from NASA's Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resources (POWER) API to assign a weight to each ideal angle for each day based on its historical contribution to overall solar PV potential during a specific season.
This approach allows us to provide much more accurate recommendations than relying solely on latitude, as it considers unique weather conditions in different locations sharing the same latitude worldwide.
Calculate solar panel row spacing in Bertem, Belgium
We've added a feature to calculate minimum solar panel row spacing by location. Enter your panel size and orientation below to get the minimum spacing in Bertem, Belgium.
Our calculation method
- Solar Position:
We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination. - Shadow Projection:
We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle. - Minimum Spacing:
We add the shadow length to the horizontal space occupied by tilted panels.
This approach ensures maximum space efficiency while avoiding shading during critical times, as the Winter solstice represents the worst-case scenario for shadow length.
Topography for solar PV around Bertem, Belgium
The area around Bertem, Belgium, is characterized by gently rolling hills and shallow valleys typical of the Flemish Brabant region. This landscape is part of the larger Belgian loess belt, which features fertile soils deposited by wind over thousands of years. The terrain is generally mild, with gradual slopes and elevations ranging from about 30 to 100 meters above sea level.
Bertem itself sits in a shallow valley, with slightly higher ground to the north and south. The surrounding countryside is a mix of agricultural fields, small patches of woodland, and scattered rural settlements. The land is crisscrossed by small streams and drainage ditches, which contribute to the area's subtle topographical variations.
As for areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors need to be considered. Ideal locations would have the following characteristics:
Suitable areas for solar PV near Bertem:
1. Open, relatively flat agricultural land: The fields surrounding Bertem and neighboring communities offer potential sites for solar farms. These areas typically have minimal shading and good exposure to sunlight.
2. South-facing slopes: While the hills in the region are generally gentle, any south-facing slopes would be particularly advantageous for solar panel placement, as they receive more direct sunlight throughout the day.
3. Areas with existing infrastructure: Locations near power lines or substations would be beneficial for connecting solar installations to the grid. The nearby E40 motorway corridor might offer such opportunities.
4. Less productive agricultural land: Areas with poorer soil quality or those less suitable for intensive farming could be repurposed for solar energy production without significantly impacting food production.
5. Former industrial or brownfield sites: If any exist in the broader region around Bertem, these could be ideal for solar PV installations as they repurpose land that might otherwise be underutilized.
It's important to note that while the topography around Bertem is generally favorable for solar PV, specific site assessments would be necessary to determine the most suitable locations. Factors such as local zoning regulations, environmental considerations, and community acceptance would also play crucial roles in determining the feasibility of large-scale solar projects in the area.
Belgium solar PV Stats as a country
Belgium ranks 19th in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 6,585 total MW's of solar PV installed. This means that 6.60% of Belgium's total energy as a country comes from solar PV (that's 10th in the world). Each year Belgium is generating 569 Watts from solar PV per capita (Belgium ranks 5th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]
Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Belgium?
Yes, there are several incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Belgium. The Belgian government offers a range of financial support measures for businesses that invest in renewable energy sources such as solar power. These include tax deductions, grants and subsidies, as well as access to low-interest loans. Additionally, the Flemish Energy Agency (VEA) provides free advice and guidance on how to make the most of these incentives.
Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Belgium? Please reach out to us and help us keep this information current. Thanks!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Tuesday 27th of August 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
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Compare this location to others worldwide for solar PV potential
The solar PV analyses available on our website, including this one, are offered as a free service to the global community. Our aim is to provide education and aid informed decision-making regarding solar PV installations.
However, please note that these analyses are general guidance and may not meet specific project requirements. For in-depth, tailored forecasts and analysis crucial for feasibility studies or when pursuing maximum ROI from your solar projects, feel free to contact us; we offer comprehensive consulting services expressly for this purpose.
Helping you assess viability of solar PV for your site
Calculate Your Optimal Solar Panel Tilt Angle: A Comprehensive Guide
Enhance your solar panel's performance with our in-depth guide. Determine the best tilt angle using hard data, debunk common misunderstandings, and gain insight into how your specific location affects solar energy production.
