Solar PV Analysis of Eeklo, Belgium
Eeklo, Flanders, Belgium, situated at latitude 51.19 and longitude 3.5469, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation throughout the year. This location in the Northern Temperate Zone experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which impacts the overall efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Eeklo, Flanders, with an average daily output of 5.56 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 4.91 kWh/day. However, the performance drops considerably during autumn, with only 2.30 kWh/day, and reaches its lowest point in winter, producing a mere 1.04 kWh/day.
These figures highlight the stark contrast between the warmer and colder months, with summer producing more than five times the energy of winter. This disparity underscores the challenges of relying solely on solar power in Eeklo throughout the year.
Optimal Panel Positioning
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Eeklo, Flanders, fixed solar panels should be tilted at an angle of 43 degrees facing south. This orientation helps capture the most sunlight possible across all seasons, balancing the high sun angles of summer with the lower angles of winter.
Environmental Considerations
While Eeklo's location is generally favorable for solar energy, there are some environmental factors that could impact production:
- Cloud cover: Belgium's climate is known for frequent cloudy days, especially in autumn and winter, which can significantly reduce solar output.
- Rain and humidity: The region experiences considerable rainfall, which can affect panel efficiency and require more frequent cleaning.
To mitigate these factors, consider installing high-efficiency panels that perform better in low-light conditions. Regular cleaning and maintenance of panels can also help maintain optimal performance. Additionally, implementing a slight increase in the tilt angle might help with natural cleaning from rainwater and reduce snow accumulation in winter.
In conclusion, while Eeklo's location presents challenges for year-round solar energy production, particularly in winter, it still offers substantial potential during spring and summer months. With proper panel positioning and maintenance, solar PV systems can be a valuable component of the local energy mix, especially when combined with other renewable sources to compensate for seasonal variations.
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 Eeklo
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.19, Longitude: 3.5469 (Eeklo, 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 Eeklo, Belgium
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Eeklo, Belgium (Lat/Long 51.19, 3.5469) 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 Eeklo, 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 Eeklo, 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 Eeklo, 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 Eeklo, 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 Eeklo, Belgium
The area around Eeklo, Belgium, is characterized by a predominantly flat landscape typical of the Flemish region. This part of Belgium is known for its low-lying terrain, with very minimal elevation changes across the area. The topography is part of the larger North European Plain, which extends across several countries.
The land surrounding Eeklo is mostly comprised of agricultural fields, pastures, and small patches of woodland. The terrain is very gently undulating, with occasional slight rises and shallow depressions. There are no significant hills or valleys in the immediate vicinity. The flatness of the region is partly due to its history of land reclamation and drainage, as much of Flanders was once marshland.
Several small streams and canals crisscross the landscape, contributing to the area's drainage system. These waterways are typically straight or gently meandering, further emphasizing the overall flatness of the terrain. The nearby coast to the northwest has a slight influence on the landscape, with some low-lying polders (land reclaimed from the sea) in that direction.
Regarding areas suitable for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the flat terrain around Eeklo offers several advantages. The lack of significant elevation changes means there are fewer issues with shadowing or uneven sun exposure. However, the most suitable areas would likely be:
- Open agricultural land: Large, uninterrupted fields away from urban areas would provide ample space for solar arrays without major topographical obstacles.
- Former industrial sites: Any nearby brownfield areas or decommissioned industrial zones could be repurposed for solar installations, making efficient use of already developed land.
- Areas near existing electrical infrastructure: Locations close to power lines or substations would be advantageous for connecting new solar farms to the grid.
- Land with minimal environmental sensitivity: Areas that are not ecologically sensitive or important for local wildlife would be preferable to minimize environmental impact.
It's important to note that while the topography is generally favorable for solar PV, other factors such as local zoning laws, land ownership, and proximity to residential areas would also play crucial roles in determining the most suitable locations for large-scale solar projects in the region around Eeklo.
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: Friday 2nd of August 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
Tell Us About Your Work
We love seeing how our research helps others! If you've cited this article in your work, we'd be delighted to hear about it. Drop us a line via our Contact Us page or on X, to share where you've used our information - we may feature a link to your work on our site. This helps create a network of valuable resources for others in the solar energy community and helps us understand how our research is contributing to the field. Plus, we occasionally highlight exceptional works that reference our research on our social media channels.
Feeling generous?
Share this with your friends!
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.
