Solar PV Analysis of Lichtaart, Belgium
The location at Lichtaart, Flanders, Belgium is somewhat suitable for generating energy via solar photovoltaic (PV) systems throughout the year. However, its effectiveness varies depending on the season.
During summer and spring, this location can generate a significant amount of electricity from solar PVs; 5.35 kilowatt-hours per day in summer and 4.56 kilowatt-hours per day in spring for each kilowatt of installed solar power. These seasons are therefore ideal times to generate solar power at this location.
On the other hand, during autumn and winter, the efficiency drops considerably with only 2.33 kWh/day in autumn and even lower output of 1.17 kWh/day in winter per kW of installed solar power.
For fixed panel installations at this site, tilting panels towards south at an angle of 43 degrees has been found to maximize total yearly production from these PV systems.
However, there could be some local factors that might impede solar production here - particularly weather conditions like cloud cover or fog common in Belgium which can reduce sunlight exposure on panels thereby reducing their efficiency.
To mitigate these issues when installing a system:
1) Consider using high-efficiency modules that perform better under less-than-ideal light conditions.
2) Regular cleaning and maintenance of panels can help ensure they function optimally despite adverse environmental factors.
3) If possible consider tracking systems that follow sun's path during daytime to capture maximum sunlight.
4) Implementing energy storage solutions like batteries could also help store excess power generated during peak hours for use during periods with less sunlight or higher energy demand.
Overall while Lichtaart isn't optimal year-round for harnessing solar energy due to seasonal variations in sunlight intensity and weather challenges it does have potential especially if certain measures are taken into account during installation process.
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 55 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
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Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Lichtaart
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.2189, Longitude: 4.9079 (Lichtaart, 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 Lichtaart, Belgium
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Lichtaart, Belgium (Lat/Long 51.2189, 4.9079) 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 Lichtaart, 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 Lichtaart, 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.
Topography for solar PV around Lichtaart, Belgium
Lichtaart, Belgium is located in the province of Antwerp and is characterized by relatively flat terrain with gentle undulations. The area has a mix of agricultural land and forested areas. The region does not have significant mountain ranges or high-altitude zones that could impact solar panel installation.
Regarding suitability for large-scale solar PV installations, several factors need to be considered:
1. Availability of Sunlight: Belgium overall receives moderate sunlight throughout the year, but it's not one of the sunniest places in Europe. However, modern solar panels can still generate electricity efficiently under these conditions.
2. Land Use: Agricultural lands around Lichtaart could potentially be used for installing solar panels if they are not being actively used for farming or if dual-use (agrivoltaics) can be implemented which allows both farming and energy production on the same land.
3. Proximity to Infrastructure: Locations close to existing power infrastructure would be advantageous as this reduces costs associated with connecting the solar farm to the grid.
4. Environmental Impact: Areas that do not contain sensitive ecosystems or protected species would also be suitable as this reduces potential environmental impacts.
5. Regulations & Policies: Local zoning laws and renewable energy policies must also permit such installations.
In conclusion, while Lichtaart's flat landscape makes it physically suited for large-scale PV systems installation, other factors like local climate conditions, proximity to power grids and local regulations play an important role in determining its feasibility.
It is recommended that a detailed site-specific study should be conducted by experts before proceeding with such a project.
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.
