Solar PV Analysis of Frameries, Belgium
The location of Frameries, Wallonia, Belgium, situated at latitude 50.3991 and longitude 3.8994, presents a mixed picture for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This Northern Temperate Zone location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production, which impacts the overall efficiency of solar installations.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar energy production in Frameries peaks during the summer months, with an impressive output of 5.40 kWh per day for each kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 4.98 kWh/day. However, the autumn and winter seasons see a dramatic decrease in energy production, with outputs of 2.55 kWh/day and 1.19 kWh/day, respectively.
The substantial difference between summer and winter production highlights the challenges of relying solely on solar energy in this location year-round. The long, sunny days of summer provide excellent conditions for solar energy generation, making it an ideal time for maximizing solar output. Conversely, the short, often overcast days of winter significantly reduce solar efficiency.
Optimizing Solar Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Frameries, Wallonia, it's crucial to install panels at the optimal angle. For fixed panel installations, the ideal tilt angle is 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 impede solar production in Frameries:
- Cloud cover: The region experiences frequent cloudy days, especially in autumn and winter, which can significantly reduce solar efficiency.
- Precipitation: Rain and snow can temporarily decrease panel output and may require more frequent cleaning.
- Short winter days: The limited daylight hours during winter months naturally restrict solar energy production.
To mitigate these challenges, consider the following preventative measures:
- Use high-efficiency solar panels designed to perform well in low-light conditions.
- Implement a regular cleaning schedule to remove dirt, debris, and snow from panels.
- Consider a hybrid system that combines solar with other renewable energy sources to ensure consistent power supply year-round.
- Install solar tracking systems to maximize sunlight exposure, especially during shorter winter days.
While Frameries may not be ideal for year-round solar energy production due to its seasonal variations, proper planning and implementation can still make solar PV a viable and beneficial energy source for the region.
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 Frameries
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 50.3991, Longitude: 3.8994 (Frameries, 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 Frameries, Belgium
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Frameries, Belgium (Lat/Long 50.3991, 3.8994) 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 Frameries, 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 Frameries, 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 | 53° South in Autumn | 63° South in Winter | 42° 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 Frameries, 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 Frameries, 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 Frameries, Belgium
The area around Frameries, Belgium, is characterized by gently rolling countryside typical of the Hainaut region. The landscape is predominantly rural, with a mix of agricultural fields, small patches of woodland, and scattered settlements. The terrain is generally low-lying, with subtle variations in elevation that create a softly undulating topography.
To the north and east of Frameries, the land gradually rises towards the Borinage hills, which are modest in height but provide some variation to the otherwise relatively flat landscape. These hills are remnants of the area's coal mining history, with some being formed from spoil heaps that have been reclaimed by nature over time.
The southern and western parts of the region tend to be flatter, with open farmland stretching towards the French border. Small streams and drainage channels crisscross the area, contributing to the gentle contours of the land.
For large-scale solar PV installations, the areas most suited would likely be found in the flatter, more open spaces to the south and west of Frameries. These locations offer several advantages:
- Expansive agricultural land with fewer obstructions to sunlight
- Minimal shadowing from hills or tall structures
- Generally south-facing slopes, which are ideal for solar panel orientation
- Easier access for construction and maintenance due to the flatter terrain
However, it's important to note that any large-scale solar project would need to balance energy production goals with the preservation of valuable agricultural land and local ecosystems. The gently sloping areas might offer a compromise, allowing for effective solar installations while minimizing the impact on prime farmland.
Additionally, some of the reclaimed mining areas to the north and east, particularly those with south-facing slopes, could potentially be repurposed for solar energy production. This approach would make use of land that may be less suitable for agriculture or other developments due to its industrial past.
Ultimately, detailed site surveys and environmental impact assessments would be necessary to determine the most appropriate locations for large-scale solar PV installations in the region, taking into account factors such as local zoning regulations, grid connectivity, and community concerns.
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 13th 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.
