Solar PV Analysis of Epe, Netherlands
Epe, Gelderland, Netherlands is a moderately good location for generating energy via solar photovoltaic (PV) systems year-round.
The amount of power you can get from a solar PV system depends on how much sunlight it gets, which varies with the seasons. In Epe, Gelderland, you can expect to generate about 5.42 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day for each kilowatt (kW) of installed solar in summer, 4.36 kWh/day in spring, 2.14 kWh/day in autumn and only 1.01 kWh/day in winter.
This means that the best times to generate solar power at this location are during the sunnier months of spring and summer when there's more daylight and sunshine is stronger.
For fixed panel installations at this location, tilting panels at an angle of 44 degrees towards south would maximize total year-round production from your PV system because it allows the panels to catch more sunlight as the sun moves across the sky throughout different seasons.
However, there may be local factors that could impede solar production at this location:
- Weather: The Netherlands has a maritime temperate climate with relatively mild summers and cool winters. It's also known for its cloudy weather and frequent rain showers which could reduce sunlight exposure.
- Topography: Epe is mostly flat but surrounded by forests which might cast shadows on your panels if they're not positioned correctly.
To overcome these challenges:
- Weather: You could consider installing more efficient types of panels that perform better under less ideal conditions like thin-film or bifacial modules.
- Topography: If nearby trees are casting shadows on your panels during peak hours then trimming or removing them might be necessary.
In conclusion, while Epe isn't an ideal place for solar power due to its weather conditions; with careful planning around local factors such as topography and using suitable technology it's still possible to generate a reasonable amount of power from a solar PV system.
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 Epe
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 52.3469, Longitude: 5.9741 (Epe, 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 Epe, Netherlands
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Epe, Netherlands (Lat/Long 52.3469, 5.9741) 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 Epe, 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 Epe, 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 | 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 Epe, 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 Epe, 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 Epe, Netherlands
Epe, Netherlands is located in the province of Gelderland and is characterized by a relatively flat landscape as it's typical for most parts of the Netherlands. The area is a mix of urban settlements, agricultural lands, and forests.
For large-scale solar PV installations, open and flat areas are typically preferred because they can accommodate more panels and receive more sunlight without obstructions. Therefore, the agricultural lands around Epe could be suitable for such installations provided that they do not interfere with farming activities.
However, it's important to note that implementing large-scale solar PV projects would require thorough feasibility studies considering various factors such as land use policies, environmental impact assessments and local community acceptance.
Additionally, rooftops in urban areas can also be used for installing solar panels on a smaller scale. This approach has less impact on land use but might require more initial investment due to higher installation costs.
Lastly, considering the Netherlands' commitment to renewable energy sources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions under the Paris Agreement framework, there may already exist some initiatives or incentives encouraging solar power generation in this region.
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: Saturday 13th of January 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.
