Solar PV Analysis of Bodegraven, Netherlands
Bodegraven, South Holland, a town in the Netherlands, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation throughout the year. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this area experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season, with solar panels generating an average of 5.42 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Spring follows closely, yielding 4.36 kWh/day. However, the output drops considerably during autumn, producing only 2.14 kWh/day, and plummets to a mere 1.01 kWh/day in winter.
These figures highlight that Bodegraven's solar potential is heavily skewed towards the warmer months. The long summer days and higher sun angle contribute significantly to the overall annual energy production. Spring also offers substantial solar generation opportunities, making it an ideal time for maintenance and optimization of solar systems.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Bodegraven, South Holland, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 44-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle takes into account the town's latitude and the sun's position throughout the year, ensuring the best possible energy capture across all seasons.
Environmental Considerations
While Bodegraven's location is generally favorable for solar energy, there are some environmental factors that could impact production:
- Cloud cover: The Netherlands is known for its cloudy climate, which can reduce solar panel efficiency.
- Rain and humidity: Frequent rainfall and high humidity levels may lead to dirt accumulation on panels, potentially decreasing their performance.
To mitigate these issues, regular panel cleaning and the use of anti-soiling coatings can help maintain optimal performance. Additionally, installing micro-inverters or power optimizers can minimize the impact of partial shading on overall system output.
In conclusion, while Bodegraven's solar potential varies greatly between seasons, proper panel orientation and maintenance can help maximize energy production throughout 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 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 Bodegraven
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 52.083, Longitude: 4.7549 (Bodegraven, 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 Bodegraven, Netherlands
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Bodegraven, Netherlands (Lat/Long 52.083, 4.7549) 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 Bodegraven, 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 Bodegraven, 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 | 55° 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 Bodegraven, 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 Bodegraven, 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 Bodegraven, Netherlands
The area around Bodegraven, Netherlands, is characterized by a predominantly flat landscape typical of the western Netherlands. This region, known as the Green Heart (Groene Hart), is part of the larger Rhine-Meuse-Scheldt river delta and sits at or slightly below sea level.
The topography of Bodegraven and its surroundings consists mainly of low-lying polders, which are areas of reclaimed land protected by dikes and constantly drained by pumps and canals. These polders create a patchwork of agricultural fields, meadows, and pastures, intersected by numerous waterways, including small rivers, canals, and drainage ditches.
The terrain is exceptionally level, with very little natural elevation change. Any hills or raised areas in the vicinity are likely to be artificial, such as dikes or small mounds created for specific purposes. This flat landscape extends for many kilometers in all directions, interrupted only by occasional built-up areas, roads, and the network of water management infrastructure.
Areas Suited for Large-Scale Solar PV
When considering locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations near Bodegraven, several factors come into play. The flat terrain offers advantages for solar farm development, as it minimizes shading issues and simplifies construction. However, the high water table and risk of flooding in this low-lying area must be carefully managed.
Some of the most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV near Bodegraven might include:
- Former agricultural lands: Parcels of farmland that are less productive or have been set aside could be repurposed for solar energy production. These areas often have good access to roads and existing infrastructure.
- Industrial zones: The outskirts of nearby towns or existing industrial areas might offer suitable locations, particularly on the rooftops of large warehouses or factories.
- Along major infrastructure corridors: Areas adjacent to highways, railways, or large canals could be utilized for solar installations, minimizing additional land use impacts.
- Dual-use agricultural sites: Innovative approaches that combine solar panels with certain types of agriculture (known as agrivoltaics) could be explored, allowing for both energy production and farming on the same land.
It's important to note that any large-scale solar development in this area would need to carefully consider environmental impacts, particularly on local ecosystems and bird populations. Additionally, the visual impact on the traditional Dutch landscape and potential conflicts with agricultural land use would need to be addressed through proper planning and community engagement.
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!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Friday 6th of September 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
Tell Us About Your Work
We love seeing how our research helps others! If you've cited this article in your work, we'd be delighted to hear about it. Drop us a line via our Contact Us page or on X, to share where you've used our information - we may feature a link to your work on our site. This helps create a network of valuable resources for others in the solar energy community and helps us understand how our research is contributing to the field. Plus, we occasionally highlight exceptional works that reference our research on our social media channels.
Feeling generous?
Share this with your friends!
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.
