Solar PV Analysis of Berghem, Netherlands
Berghem, North Brabant, Netherlands, situated at latitude 51.7698 and longitude 5.5708, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation throughout the year. This location in the Northern Temperate Zone experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which impacts the overall efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Berghem, North Brabant, with an average daily output of 5.35 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 4.56 kWh/day. However, the performance drops considerably during autumn, with only 2.33 kWh/day, and reaches its lowest point in winter, producing a mere 1.17 kWh/day.
This stark contrast between seasons indicates that solar energy production in Berghem is highly dependent on the time of year. The long, sunny days of summer and spring provide excellent conditions for solar power generation, making these seasons ideal for maximizing energy output.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar production in Berghem, North Brabant, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 44 degrees facing south. This angle has been calculated to optimize energy capture across all seasons, taking into account the location's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.
Environmental and Weather Factors
While Berghem's location is generally favorable for solar energy, there are some environmental and weather factors that could impact solar production:
- Cloud cover: The Netherlands is known for its cloudy climate, which can significantly reduce solar output, especially during autumn and winter.
- Rain and humidity: Frequent rainfall and high humidity levels can decrease panel efficiency and require more frequent cleaning.
To mitigate these factors, consider implementing the following measures:
- Use high-efficiency panels designed to perform well in low-light conditions.
- Install a robust cleaning system or schedule regular manual cleaning to combat the effects of rain and humidity.
- Consider adding a solar tracking system to maximize energy capture during periods of limited sunlight.
In conclusion, while Berghem's location presents challenges for year-round solar energy production, particularly during the autumn and winter months, the strong performance during spring and summer makes it a viable option for solar PV installations. With proper planning and mitigation strategies, solar energy can be a valuable renewable resource for this Dutch community.
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 Berghem
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.7698, Longitude: 5.5708 (Berghem, 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 Berghem, Netherlands
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Berghem, Netherlands (Lat/Long 51.7698, 5.5708) 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 Berghem, 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 Berghem, 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 Berghem, 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 Berghem, 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 Berghem, Netherlands
The topography around Berghem, Netherlands, is characterized by a relatively flat landscape typical of much of the country. This area is part of the North European Plain, which extends across several countries in northern Europe. The terrain around Berghem is predominantly low-lying, with only subtle variations in elevation.
The region surrounding Berghem is largely composed of agricultural land and small urban settlements. You'll find a mix of open fields, meadows, and patches of woodland. The area is crisscrossed by small rivers and streams, as well as man-made canals and drainage ditches, which are common features in the Dutch landscape. These waterways help manage the high water table and prevent flooding in this low-lying region.
While there are no significant hills or mountains in the immediate vicinity, you might notice gentle undulations in the landscape, with some areas being slightly higher than others. These minor elevation changes are often imperceptible to the casual observer but can be important for local hydrology and land use.
Areas Suitable for Large-Scale Solar PV
When considering locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations near Berghem, several factors come into play. The flat terrain in this region is generally favorable for solar farms, as it minimizes shading issues and simplifies construction. However, the following areas might be particularly well-suited:
1. Agricultural lands: The open fields surrounding Berghem could potentially accommodate large solar arrays. However, this would need to be balanced with the need to preserve productive farmland.
2. Industrial zones: Any nearby industrial areas or brownfield sites could be repurposed for solar energy production, making efficient use of land that may already be developed.
3. Areas near existing electrical infrastructure: Locations close to power lines or substations would be advantageous for connecting new solar installations to the grid.
4. Less productive agricultural land: Areas with poor soil quality or those prone to flooding might be more readily converted to solar use without significantly impacting food production.
It's important to note that while the topography is suitable, other factors such as local regulations, grid capacity, and environmental considerations would also play crucial roles in determining the feasibility of large-scale solar PV projects in this area. Additionally, the Netherlands' cloudy climate and northern latitude mean that solar installations here may not be as productive as those in sunnier regions, which should be factored into any development plans.
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: Thursday 15th 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.
