The location of Burgum, Friesland, Netherlands, situated at latitude 53.197 and longitude 6.0018, presents a mixed scenario for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This northern European town experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which greatly impact the efficiency of solar installations.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Burgum, Friesland, with an impressive daily output of 5.35 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 4.25 kWh/day. However, the performance drops considerably during autumn, with only 2.01 kWh/day, and reaches its lowest point in winter, producing a mere 0.90 kWh/day.

These figures highlight the stark contrast between the warm and cold seasons, emphasizing the importance of maximizing solar collection during the longer, sunnier days of summer and spring. The extended daylight hours and higher sun angles during these seasons contribute significantly to the overall annual energy production.

Optimal Panel Installation

To achieve the best year-round performance, fixed solar panels in Burgum should be tilted at a 45-degree angle facing south. This orientation helps to capture the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the year, balancing the low winter sun angles with the higher summer sun position.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several factors can impede solar production in Burgum:

1. Cloud cover: The Netherlands is known for its frequent overcast conditions, which can significantly reduce solar efficiency.
2. Rainfall: Burgum experiences considerable precipitation throughout the year, which can affect panel performance.
3. Short winter days: Being in the Northern Temperate Zone, Burgum has very short days during winter, limiting solar exposure.

To mitigate these challenges, consider the following preventative measures:

• Use high-efficiency panels designed to perform well in low-light conditions
• Implement a robust cleaning schedule to remove dirt and debris, especially after rainy periods
• Consider incorporating solar tracking systems to maximize exposure during limited daylight hours
• Ensure proper drainage systems to prevent water accumulation on panels

While Burgum's location presents some challenges for solar PV generation, particularly during the autumn and winter months, the strong performance in summer and spring makes it a viable option for renewable energy production. With proper installation techniques and maintenance, solar panels can still provide a significant contribution to the local energy mix.

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 Burgum

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 53.197, Longitude: 6.0018 (Burgum, 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 45° South in Burgum, Netherlands

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Burgum, Netherlands (Lat/Long 53.197, 6.0018) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 45° 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 Burgum, 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 Burgum, Netherlands. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 45° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
36° South in Summer	56° South in Autumn	66° South in Winter	45° 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 Burgum, 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 Burgum, Netherlands.

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 Burgum, Netherlands

The area surrounding Burgum, Netherlands, located at approximately 53.197 degrees north latitude and 6.0018 degrees east longitude, is characterized by a predominantly flat and low-lying landscape. This region, situated in the northern part of the Netherlands, is part of the province of Friesland and exemplifies the typical Dutch lowland topography. The terrain around Burgum is largely composed of reclaimed land, known as polders, which have been drained and protected from flooding by an extensive system of dikes and canals. The landscape is primarily agricultural, with vast expanses of green pastures and cultivated fields stretching as far as the eye can see. Scattered throughout this flat expanse are numerous small waterways, drainage ditches, and occasional patches of woodland.

Nearby Areas Suitable for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas near Burgum that would be most suited to large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The flat terrain of the region is generally advantageous for solar farms, as it minimizes shading issues and simplifies construction. Agricultural lands surrounding Burgum could potentially be repurposed for solar energy production. These open fields provide ample space for large arrays of solar panels. However, it's important to balance the need for renewable energy with the preservation of valuable agricultural land. Former industrial sites or brownfields in the vicinity of Burgum might also be suitable locations for solar PV installations. These areas often have existing infrastructure that can be repurposed, minimizing the environmental impact of new construction. Another possibility is the use of floating solar panels on some of the larger water bodies in the region. While not as common, this approach could utilize otherwise unused space without impacting valuable land resources. It's worth noting that while the topography around Burgum is favorable for solar PV, the region's northern latitude means it receives less direct sunlight compared to more southern locations. This factor would need to be carefully considered in the planning and design of any large-scale solar installations to ensure optimal energy production.

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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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.