Solar PV Analysis of Alblasserdam, Netherlands
The location at Alblasserdam, South Holland, Netherlands is somewhat suitable for generating energy through solar photovoltaic (PV) systems year-round. However, the effectiveness varies significantly across different seasons.
In summer and spring, the system can produce a good amount of electricity, with 5.35 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day in summer and 4.56 kWh/day in spring for every kilowatt (kW) of installed solar power. This means that these are the ideal times to generate solar power at this location due to longer daylight hours and more direct sunlight.
However, in autumn and winter, production drops dramatically to 2.33 kWh/day and 1.17 kWh/day respectively per kW of installed solar power because of shorter daylight hours and less direct sunlight.
To maximize total year-round production from your solar PV system at this location, it's recommended that you tilt your panels at an angle of 44 degrees facing South.
There could be some local factors that might affect the performance of a solar PV system in Alblasserdam:
- Weather: The Netherlands is known for its cloudy weather which could limit the amount of sunlight reaching your panels.
- Environmental: Buildings or trees may cast shadows on your panels reducing their efficiency.
To mitigate these issues:
- Regularly clean your panels to remove any dust or debris which could block sunlight.
- If possible, install your panels where they will not be shaded by buildings or trees.
- Consider using a tracking system that adjusts the angle of your panels throughout the day to follow the sun maximizing exposure.
Keep in mind though; no matter how much you optimize things there will always be seasonal variations based on changes in daylight hours from season-to-season as well as variances caused by weather conditions like cloud cover etc., which are beyond our control!
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 364 locations across Netherlands. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Netherlands by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Alblasserdam
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.8572, Longitude: 4.6766 (Alblasserdam, Netherlands), 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 44° South in Alblasserdam, Netherlands
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Alblasserdam, Netherlands (Lat/Long 51.8572, 4.6766) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 44° 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 Alblasserdam, Netherlands
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 Alblasserdam, Netherlands. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 44° 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 | 65° South in Winter | 44° 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 Alblasserdam, Netherlands
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 Alblasserdam, Netherlands.
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 Alblasserdam, Netherlands
Alblasserdam, Netherlands is located in the western part of the country and is characterized by flat lowland terrain, as it's part of the Dutch polder landscape. It's situated below sea level with a vast network of canals, rivers and lakes surrounding it. The region has fertile soil due to its location near major water bodies like River Lek and North Sea.
Regarding solar PV installation, large-scale solar projects require open spaces with minimal shading. Given Alblasserdam’s flat topography and openness, there are potential areas for such installations. However, considering the high population density in this region and intensive land use for agriculture or urban development, finding suitable locations might be challenging.
One potential area could be unused or less productive agricultural lands where dual-use solar farms can be set up that would not only generate electricity but also support local biodiversity or agriculture (agrivoltaics). Industrial rooftops in nearby Rotterdam’s port area could also host large scale solar installations without occupying additional ground space.
Despite being a relatively cloudy country with moderate sun exposure compared to southern European countries like Spain or Italy, Netherlands has been successfully expanding its solar power capacity over recent years due to improvements in photovoltaic technology efficiency.
It should also be noted that any proposed site would need an environmental impact assessment before proceeding with installation since even seemingly ideal sites may have hidden ecological value or other constraints which need careful consideration.
Netherlands solar PV Stats as a country
Netherlands ranks 12th in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 14,249 total MW's of solar PV installed. This means that 8.90% of Netherlands's total energy as a country comes from solar PV (that's 7th in the world). Each year Netherlands is generating 817 Watts from solar PV per capita (Netherlands ranks 1st in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]
Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Netherlands?
Yes, there are several incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in the Netherlands. The Dutch government offers a number of financial incentives and subsidies for businesses that invest in renewable energy sources such as solar power. These include grants, tax credits, and low-interest loans. Additionally, businesses can benefit from net metering policies which allow them to sell excess electricity back to the grid at a premium rate. Finally, businesses may also be eligible for additional funding through the European Union's Horizon 2020 program.
Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Netherlands? Please reach out to us and help us keep this information current. Thanks!
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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Tuesday 16th of April 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.
