Solar PV Analysis of Dordrecht, Netherlands
Dordrecht, South Holland, Netherlands (latitude 51.816, longitude 4.664) is a suitable location for photovoltaic solar power generation due to its capacity to generate an average of 5.35 kWh per day per kW of installed solar in the summer season, 2.33 kWh in autumn, 1.17 kWh in winter and 4.56 kWh in spring.
These figures are influenced by the seasonal variations of sunlight exposure; with longer daylight hours and more direct sunlight during the summer months leading to higher energy production from solar panels compared to other seasons.
However, Dordrecht's weather can occasionally pose challenges as overcast or rainy conditions may limit sunlight exposure and subsequently reduce power output from solar panels. To mitigate this potential issue and ensure optimal energy production year-round, it is advised that for a fixed panel installation at this location, panels should be tilted at an angle of 44 degrees facing South.
Overall, Dordrecht's climate is generally mild with ample sunshine throughout most parts of the year making it conducive for effective photovoltaic solar power generation despite occasional cloudy or rainy days.
It should also be noted that local topography or environmental factors could impact on overall efficiency if they cause shading on the panels - buildings or large trees can block direct sunlight from reaching them so careful consideration needs to be given when selecting specific installation sites within Dordrecht.
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 Dordrecht
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.816, Longitude: 4.664 (Dordrecht, 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 Dordrecht, Netherlands
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Dordrecht, Netherlands (Lat/Long 51.816, 4.664) 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 Dordrecht, 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 Dordrecht, 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 Dordrecht, 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 Dordrecht, 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 Dordrecht, Netherlands
The topography around Dordrecht, Netherlands is mostly flat with some minor hills and valleys. Areas to the east of the city are especially suited for large-scale solar PV installations due to their open spaces and lack of trees or other obstructions. The south-western part of the city also has potential for large-scale solar PV as it is relatively flat and there are few obstructions in this area.
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: Wednesday 11th of October 2023
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.
