Solar PV Analysis of Gilly, Belgium
The location of Gilly, Wallonia, Belgium, situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents both opportunities and challenges for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. With its latitude and longitude at 50.4285, 4.4779, this site experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar energy generation in Gilly reaches its peak during the summer months, with an impressive output of 5.25 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, producing 4.63 kWh/day/kW. However, the autumn and winter seasons see a substantial drop in energy production, with 2.46 kWh/day/kW and 1.18 kWh/day/kW, respectively.
These figures highlight the ideal times for solar energy generation in Gilly, Wallonia, which are primarily late spring through early autumn. During these months, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar panel efficiency.
Optimizing Solar Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Gilly, Wallonia, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 43 degrees facing south. This optimal angle takes into account the location's latitude and seasonal sun positions, ensuring the best possible energy capture throughout the year.
Environmental and Weather Factors
While Gilly's location is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental and weather factors that could potentially impact solar panel efficiency:
- Cloud cover: Belgium's climate is known for its frequent cloud cover, which can reduce solar radiation reaching the panels.
- Rainfall: The region experiences significant rainfall throughout the year, which may temporarily decrease panel efficiency.
To mitigate these factors, consider implementing the following 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 that may accumulate due to rainfall
- Implement a monitoring system to track performance and quickly identify any issues
By taking these factors into account and implementing appropriate measures, solar PV installations in Gilly can still achieve significant energy production, particularly during the more favorable months of the year.
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 Gilly
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 50.4285, Longitude: 4.4779 (Gilly, 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 Gilly, Belgium
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Gilly, Belgium (Lat/Long 50.4285, 4.4779) 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 Gilly, 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 Gilly, 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 | 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 Gilly, 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 Gilly, 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 Gilly, Belgium
The area around Gilly, Belgium, which is located at latitude 50.4285 and longitude 4.4779, is characterized by gently rolling terrain typical of the Sambre-Meuse valley region. This part of Belgium features a mix of low hills, shallow valleys, and relatively flat areas, with elevations generally ranging from about 100 to 200 meters above sea level.
The landscape surrounding Gilly is primarily composed of urban and suburban developments interspersed with agricultural land and small patches of woodland. The nearby city of Charleroi, just to the west of Gilly, has a significant impact on the local topography, with its industrial areas and urban sprawl extending into the surrounding countryside.
To the south and east of Gilly, the terrain becomes slightly more undulating, with gentle slopes and small hills becoming more prominent. These areas are often used for agriculture, with fields and pastures dominating the landscape. Several small streams and rivers crisscross the region, creating shallow valleys and contributing to the overall gentle relief of the area.
When considering locations for large-scale solar PV installations near Gilly, several factors should be taken into account. The most suitable areas would likely be found in the more open, rural spaces to the south and east of Gilly. These locations offer several advantages for solar energy production:
- Relatively flat or gently sloping terrain, which is ideal for the installation of solar panels
- Open fields with minimal shading from trees or buildings
- Good access to existing road infrastructure for construction and maintenance
- Proximity to power grid connections for energy distribution
Specific areas that might be well-suited for large-scale solar PV projects could include the agricultural lands between Gilly and Fleurus to the east, or the open spaces south of Gilly towards Châtelet. These areas generally offer a good balance of suitable topography, available land, and necessary infrastructure to support solar energy development.
However, it's important to note that any large-scale solar PV project would require detailed site assessments, environmental impact studies, and compliance with local and regional regulations before implementation. The suitability of specific locations would need to be confirmed through on-site evaluations and consultation with local authorities and stakeholders.
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.
