The location in Herentals, Flanders, Belgium, situated at 51.1703° N, 4.8267° E, presents varying levels of suitability for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This Northern Temperate Zone location experiences significant seasonal fluctuations in solar energy production.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 5.29 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, yielding 4.50 kWh/day. These seasons offer excellent opportunities for solar energy generation, with longer daylight hours and generally clearer skies. Autumn sees a substantial decrease in production, dropping to 2.26 kWh/day. Winter experiences the lowest output at just 1.12 kWh/day, less than a quarter of the summer production. This stark contrast highlights the challenges of relying solely on solar power in this location during the colder months.

Optimal Panel Positioning

To maximize year-round solar energy production at this Herentals location, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 43-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle takes into account the site's latitude and seasonal sun paths, ensuring the best possible exposure to sunlight throughout the year.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several factors can impact solar production in Herentals: 1. Cloud cover: Belgium's climate is known for frequent cloud cover, particularly in autumn and winter. This can significantly reduce solar panel efficiency. 2. Rainfall: The region experiences considerable rainfall, which can temporarily decrease panel output. 3. Snow and frost: Winter months may see snow accumulation on panels, blocking sunlight. To mitigate these challenges, consider the following preventative measures:

• Install self-cleaning panels or implement regular cleaning schedules to combat dust and debris accumulation.
• Use anti-reflective coatings on panels to improve performance in low-light conditions.
• Implement a tilted panel design to encourage snow and water runoff.
• Consider a tracking system to maximize sun exposure, especially during winter months with shorter daylight hours.

While Herentals may not offer ideal year-round conditions for solar PV, proper planning and installation techniques can still yield significant energy production, particularly during the spring and summer months.

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 Herentals

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.1703, Longitude: 4.8267 (Herentals, 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 Herentals, Belgium

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Herentals, Belgium (Lat/Long 51.1703, 4.8267) 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 Herentals, 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 Herentals, 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 Herentals, 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 Herentals, Belgium.

Our calculation method

1. Solar Position:
   We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination.
2. Shadow Projection:
   We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle.
3. 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 Herentals, Belgium

The topography around Herentals, Belgium, is characterized by a relatively flat landscape typical of the Flemish region. Situated in the province of Antwerp, Herentals lies in the Campine plateau, a gently undulating area with low-lying plains and subtle elevations. The terrain is predominantly composed of sandy soils, interspersed with patches of woodland and agricultural fields. The region surrounding Herentals features a mix of rural and urban landscapes. To the north and east, you'll find expanses of farmland and scattered forests, while to the south and west, the landscape becomes slightly more urbanized as it approaches the outskirts of larger cities like Antwerp and Brussels. The area is crisscrossed by small rivers and streams, including the Kleine Nete, which flows through Herentals itself.

Potential for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV installations, several factors come into play. The flat terrain of the Campine plateau offers advantages for solar energy development, as it provides ample space and minimal shading issues. Agricultural lands to the north and east of Herentals could potentially be suitable for solar farms, especially in areas where crop yields are lower or on marginal lands. These open spaces receive good sun exposure throughout the day, which is crucial for maximizing solar energy production. Former industrial sites or brownfields in the vicinity of Herentals might also be prime candidates for solar PV installations. These areas often have existing infrastructure and grid connections, making them cost-effective options for large-scale solar projects. It's important to note that while the topography is generally favorable, other factors such as local zoning regulations, environmental considerations, and grid capacity would need to be carefully evaluated before determining the most suitable locations for large-scale solar PV development in the region around Herentals.

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!

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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.