Solar PV Analysis of De Meern, Netherlands
The location at De Meern, Utrecht, Netherlands is somewhat suitable for generating energy via solar photovoltaic (PV) systems throughout the year, but it's not ideal. This means that while you can produce electricity using solar panels in this area, the amount of energy produced will vary greatly depending on the season.
In summer and spring, you can expect a decent amount of electricity to be generated. Specifically, in summer you would generate about 5.42 kilowatt-hours per day for each kilowatt of installed solar power and about 4.36 kilowatt-hours per day in spring. These are good times to rely on your solar panels for energy production because longer daylight hours and better weather conditions allow for more sunlight to reach your panels.
However, during autumn and winter months, less sunlight reaches this part of the world due to its Northern Temperate Zone location which results in shorter days and often overcast weather conditions. In these seasons, you would only produce around 2.14 kilowatt-hours per day in autumn and a mere 1.01 kilowatt-hours per day in winter from each installed kW of solar power.
To maximize total year-round production from a fixed panel installation at this location it's recommended that panels are tilted at an angle of 44 degrees facing southwards towards the sun as much as possible across different times during the year.
As far as other factors go that could affect or impede solar production at this location; cloudy or overcast weather is probably one significant factor given its northern latitude position which tends to have more cloud cover especially during colder months (autumn/winter).
Preventative measures when installing solar PV system here might include choosing high-efficiency PV modules designed specifically for low-light conditions since they perform better under such circumstances than standard ones do or considering adding battery storage system so excess power generated during sunny periods (like summer/spring) can be stored & used during times of lower production (like autumn/winter). Regular maintenance and cleaning of the panels will also ensure that they are working at their optimum level.
In conclusion, while De Meern, Utrecht, Netherlands may not be the most ideal location for solar power generation due to its seasonal variations in sunlight availability, it can still be a viable option if managed correctly.
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 353 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 De Meern
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 52.0819, Longitude: 5.0464 (De Meern, 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 De Meern, Netherlands
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in De Meern, Netherlands (Lat/Long 52.0819, 5.0464) 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 De Meern, 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 De Meern, 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 De Meern, 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 De Meern, 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 De Meern, Netherlands
The topography around De Meern, Netherlands is generally flat with low-lying terrain, as it's characteristic of much of the Netherlands. The region consists mainly of urban areas and agricultural lands.
As for the most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV installations, these would typically include:
1. Open fields: Given that a significant portion of the land in and around De Meern is used for agriculture, some open fields could potentially be converted into solar farms. These locations are usually ideal due to their lack of shading and large surface area.
2. Industrial rooftops: Large industrial buildings often have expansive rooftop spaces that can be utilized for solar panel installation without occupying additional ground space.
3. Brownfield sites: These are previously developed lands that are not currently in use - old industrial sites or abandoned airports or landfills etc., which can be repurposed into renewable energy projects such as solar farms.
4. Floating Solar Panels on water bodies (if any): If there are any sizeable water bodies nearby, floating solar panels could also be an option to consider.
However, the suitability will also depend on factors like local weather conditions (amount of sunlight received), legal restrictions and regulations related to land use and environmental impact assessments among others.
Remember that while flat terrains like those found in De Meern seem ideal for setting up large-scale photovoltaic systems because they receive a good amount sunlight throughout the day due to less obstructions; other factors such as soil stability/quality (for ground-mounted systems), proximity to power grids/substations (to facilitate easy transmission) etc., should also be taken into account when identifying potential sites.
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: Wednesday 24th of April 2024
Last Updated: Wednesday 26th of June 2024
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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.
