The location at Creil, Flevoland, Netherlands, situated at 52.7623°N, 5.6538°E, presents a mixed scenario for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This Northern Temperate Zone location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which directly impacts the efficiency of solar power systems.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive daily output of 5.36 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 4.29 kWh/day. However, the performance drops considerably during autumn, with only 2.07 kWh/day, and reaches its lowest point in winter, producing a mere 0.96 kWh/day.

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

Optimal Panel Installation

To achieve the best year-round performance, fixed solar panels at this location should be tilted at a 44-degree angle facing south. This specific angle is calculated to capture the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the year, considering the Earth's elliptical orbit and the site's latitude.

Environmental Factors and Mitigation

Several environmental factors can potentially impact solar production in Creil:

1. Cloud cover: The Netherlands is known for its frequent cloudy weather, which can significantly reduce solar irradiance.
2. Rainfall: Regular precipitation can decrease panel efficiency and require more frequent cleaning.
3. Short winter days: The location's northern latitude results in limited daylight hours during winter months.

To mitigate these challenges, consider the following measures:

• Use high-efficiency panels designed for diffuse light conditions
• Implement an automated cleaning system to maintain panel performance
• Consider a dual-axis tracking system to maximize light capture, especially during winter
• Explore energy storage solutions to balance seasonal variations in production

While Creil's location presents some challenges for year-round solar energy production, proper system design and maintenance can still yield satisfactory results, particularly during the more favorable seasons.

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 Creil

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 52.7623, Longitude: 5.6538 (Creil, 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 Creil, Netherlands

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Creil, Netherlands (Lat/Long 52.7623, 5.6538) 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 Creil, 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 Creil, 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
36° South in Summer	55° South in Autumn	66° 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 Creil, 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 Creil, 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 Creil, Netherlands

The area surrounding Creil, Netherlands, located at approximately 52.7623°N, 5.6538°E, is characterized by a remarkably flat and low-lying landscape. This region is part of the Noordoostpolder, a large area of reclaimed land in the province of Flevoland. The topography here is almost entirely man-made, having been created through extensive land reclamation projects in the mid-20th century. The terrain around Creil is predominantly level, with very little variation in elevation. The land is primarily at or slightly below sea level, protected from flooding by a system of dikes and pumping stations. This flat expanse stretches for miles in all directions, creating an open and expansive horizon typical of the Dutch polder landscape. The area is crisscrossed by a network of straight drainage canals and ditches, which serve to manage water levels and prevent waterlogging of the fertile agricultural land. These waterways form a distinctive grid pattern when viewed from above, dividing the land into regular rectangular plots.

Suitability for Large-Scale Solar PV

Given the topography of the region, several areas near Creil would be well-suited for large-scale solar PV installations. The flat, open terrain provides ideal conditions for solar farms, with minimal natural obstacles to block sunlight. The agricultural fields surrounding Creil offer large, uninterrupted spaces that could potentially be repurposed or shared for solar energy production. These areas benefit from excellent sun exposure due to the lack of hills or tall structures that might cast shadows. Particularly promising locations might include the expansive farmlands to the east and south of Creil. These areas offer vast, open spaces with good road access, which would facilitate the construction and maintenance of solar installations. It's worth noting that while the topography is favorable, other factors such as local zoning regulations, grid connection capacity, and environmental considerations would also need to be taken into account when planning large-scale solar PV projects in this region. Additionally, the high water table and potential for flooding in this low-lying area would require careful engineering and design considerations for any ground-mounted solar installations.

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.