Solar PV Analysis of Borgerhout, Belgium
Borgerhout, Flanders, a district in Antwerp, Belgium, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation throughout the year. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this area experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which impacts the overall efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems.
Seasonal Solar Performance
The solar energy production in Borgerhout fluctuates considerably across the four seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an average daily output of 5.35 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 4.56 kWh/day. However, the performance drops significantly during autumn, with only 2.33 kWh/day, and plummets to a mere 1.17 kWh/day in winter.
This stark contrast between seasons indicates that solar energy production in Borgerhout is highly dependent on the time of year. The long, sunny days of summer and spring provide ideal conditions for solar PV systems, making these seasons the most suitable for energy generation.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Borgerhout, Flanders, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 43 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated to capture the most sunlight throughout the year, considering the location's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.
Environmental and Weather Factors
Several factors can impact solar energy production in Borgerhout:
- Cloud cover: Belgium's climate is known for frequent cloudy days, which can significantly reduce solar output.
- Rain: The region experiences considerable rainfall, which can affect panel efficiency.
- Short winter days: The limited daylight hours during winter months contribute to the low energy production in this season.
To mitigate these challenges, consider implementing these preventative measures:
- Use high-efficiency solar panels designed to perform well in low-light conditions.
- Install a robust cleaning system to remove dirt and debris, ensuring optimal panel performance.
- Consider adding a solar tracking system to maximize energy capture, especially during the less productive months.
While Borgerhout's location isn't ideal for year-round solar energy production, the strong performance during summer and spring makes solar PV systems a viable option. With proper installation and maintenance, significant energy can be generated, particularly from late spring to early autumn.
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 Borgerhout
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.2069, Longitude: 4.4432 (Borgerhout, 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 Borgerhout, Belgium
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Borgerhout, Belgium (Lat/Long 51.2069, 4.4432) 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 Borgerhout, 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 Borgerhout, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35° 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 Borgerhout, 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 Borgerhout, 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 Borgerhout, Belgium
The topography around Borgerhout, Belgium, is predominantly flat and low-lying. This area is part of the larger Antwerp region, which is situated in the Flemish Lowlands. The landscape is characterized by its gentle, even terrain with very little variation in elevation. The average altitude in this area is only a few meters above sea level, typically ranging from 5 to 15 meters.
The flat nature of the land is largely due to its geological history, as this region was once part of a river delta. Over time, sediments deposited by rivers like the Scheldt have created a level plain. The area also includes some man-made features that have further shaped the landscape, such as canals, dikes, and polders (low-lying tracts of land reclaimed from the sea or rivers).
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors come into play. The flat terrain of the region is generally favorable for solar farms, as it reduces the complexity and cost of installation. However, the ideal locations would need to balance several other considerations:
1. Open spaces: Areas with minimal obstruction from buildings or trees would be preferable. The rural outskirts of Antwerp, moving away from Borgerhout towards the northeast or northwest, might offer suitable open fields.
2. Land availability: Large tracts of undeveloped land or former industrial sites could be potential candidates. The port areas of Antwerp, located to the north and northwest of Borgerhout, might have such spaces.
3. Grid connectivity: Proximity to existing electrical infrastructure is important. Areas near major power lines or substations would be advantageous.
4. Environmental considerations: Locations that don't interfere with sensitive ecosystems or protected natural areas would be ideal.
5. Flood risk: Given the low-lying nature of the region, areas with slightly higher elevation or good drainage systems would be preferable to minimize flood risks.
Considering these factors, the most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV installations might be found in the less densely populated zones to the north and east of Borgerhout, potentially including parts of the neighboring municipalities like Wommelgem or Ranst. However, specific site selection would require detailed local surveys and environmental impact assessments.
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: Saturday 21st of September 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.
