Solar PV Analysis of Drunen, Netherlands
The location at Drunen, North Brabant, Netherlands is somewhat suitable for generating energy via solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, although it's not the most ideal. Solar PV systems convert sunlight into electricity, and their effectiveness depends on the amount of sunlight they receive.
In terms of seasons, summer is the best time for solar energy production in Drunen with an expected output of 5.35 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day for each kilowatt (kW) of installed solar capacity. Spring also provides a good amount of sun with an expected output around 4.56 kWh/day per kW installed. However, autumn and winter see a significant drop in potential output to approximately 2.33 kWh/day and 1.17 kWh/day respectively due to shorter daylight hours and less intense sunlight.
For a fixed panel installation at this location, tilting panels at an angle of 44 degrees facing south would maximize total year-round production from the solar PV system because it would allow them to capture as much sunlight as possible throughout different times of the year.
However, there are certain local factors that could potentially hinder solar production in Drunen.
The Netherlands tends to have a cloudy climate which can reduce the amount of direct sunlight reaching the panels hence reducing their efficiency.
This area also experiences rainfall throughout the year which may affect operation days.
To mitigate these issues when installing solar panels:
- Use high-quality PV modules that perform well even under diffuse light conditions i.e., when it's cloudy,
- Install additional capacity to make up for lower productivity during cloudier periods,
- Regular maintenance including cleaning off any dust or debris from your panels ensures they operate efficiently,
- Consider tracking systems that adjust panel position according to sun direction ensuring maximum exposure all through
These measures will help ensure greater energy production regardless of weather conditions.
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 Drunen
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.6841, Longitude: 5.1345 (Drunen, 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 Drunen, Netherlands
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Drunen, Netherlands (Lat/Long 51.6841, 5.1345) 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 Drunen, 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 Drunen, 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 Drunen, 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 Drunen, 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 Drunen, Netherlands
Drunen, Netherlands is located in the province of North Brabant. The topography is relatively flat as it's characteristic for most parts of the Netherlands. It features a mix of urban areas, farmlands and natural landscapes like forests and sand dunes (Loonse en Drunense Duinen National Park).
The flat terrain is generally favorable for solar PV installations. However, considering ecological balance, it would be more appropriate to install large-scale solar PV systems in less ecologically sensitive areas such as industrial zones or on rooftops in urban areas rather than on farmland or forested areas.
Large open fields could also be suitable if they are not used for agriculture or have no significant ecological value. Additionally, floating solar PV systems could potentially be installed on bodies of water such as lakes or reservoirs if any are available and permitted by local regulations.
However, an essential factor to consider when planning large-scale solar projects would be the amount of sunlight received throughout the year. The Netherlands has moderate levels of sunshine with approximately 1500 hours per year which may affect the efficiency and production capacity of a potential solar farm.
In conclusion, while there might be potential spots around Drunen that could host large scale Solar PV projects from a topographical point-of-view; weather conditions (sunshine hours), land use restrictions and environmental considerations should all play crucial roles in deciding where these installations should go ahead. A detailed feasibility study should thus precede any decision-making process regarding this matter.
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: Monday 20th of May 2024
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.
