Solar PV Analysis of Goirle, Netherlands
Goirle, North Brabant, Netherlands, situated at latitude 51.523 and longitude 5.0598, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation throughout the year. This location in the Northern Temperate Zone experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which affects the overall efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems.
Seasonal Solar Performance
The solar energy production in Goirle follows a predictable pattern aligned with the changing seasons:
- Summer: 5.35 kWh/day per kW installed
- Spring: 4.56 kWh/day per kW installed
- Autumn: 2.33 kWh/day per kW installed
- Winter: 1.17 kWh/day per kW installed
As expected, summer months offer the highest solar yield, with long days and generally clearer skies contributing to peak energy production. Spring follows closely behind, providing substantial energy output as daylight hours increase and weather conditions improve.
Challenges and Considerations
The most significant challenge for solar energy production in Goirle occurs during the winter months. With shorter days and often overcast skies, winter yields less than a quarter of the summer output. Autumn also sees a notable decrease in production compared to the warmer months.
To maximize year-round energy production, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 44 degrees facing south. This optimal angle helps capture more sunlight during the less productive seasons while still benefiting from the abundant summer sunshine.
Environmental Factors
While Goirle doesn't face extreme environmental challenges, there are some factors that could impact solar production:
1. Cloud cover: The Netherlands is known for its frequent cloudy weather, especially in autumn and winter. This can significantly reduce solar output during these seasons.
2. Rain and humidity: High levels of precipitation and humidity can lead to dirt accumulation on panels, potentially reducing efficiency.
To mitigate these issues, regular cleaning and maintenance of solar panels is crucial. Additionally, using high-quality, weather-resistant panels and considering a slight increase in the number of panels installed can help offset the reduced winter production.
In conclusion, while Goirle's location presents challenges for year-round solar energy production, particularly in winter, it still offers substantial potential during spring and summer months. With proper installation techniques and maintenance, solar PV systems can be a viable and beneficial energy source for this Dutch town.
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 Goirle
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.523, Longitude: 5.0598 (Goirle, 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 Goirle, Netherlands
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Goirle, Netherlands (Lat/Long 51.523, 5.0598) 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 Goirle, 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 Goirle, 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 | 64° 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 Goirle, 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 Goirle, 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 Goirle, Netherlands
The area around Goirle, Netherlands, is characterized by a relatively flat landscape typical of the southern Netherlands. This region, known as North Brabant, features gently rolling terrain with subtle elevation changes. The topography is primarily composed of low-lying plains, interspersed with small hills and shallow valleys.
The landscape surrounding Goirle is a mix of agricultural fields, meadows, and patches of woodland. The area is crisscrossed by small streams and drainage channels, which are part of the broader water management system in this low-lying country. To the east of Goirle, you'll find slightly more elevated areas, while to the west, the land tends to be flatter as it approaches the coastal regions.
In terms of large-scale solar PV installations, several nearby areas could be suitable. The flat, open agricultural lands to the south and southwest of Goirle present potential opportunities for solar farms. These areas benefit from minimal shading and good exposure to sunlight throughout the day. Additionally, some of the gently sloping fields to the east and northeast of Goirle could be considered, as they may receive optimal sun exposure depending on their orientation.
However, it's important to note that the Netherlands faces challenges in finding suitable locations for large-scale solar projects due to its dense population and limited land availability. As a result, innovative approaches such as floating solar panels on water bodies or integrating solar installations with existing infrastructure might be considered in the region.
When selecting sites for solar PV in this area, factors such as proximity to existing power infrastructure, local zoning regulations, and environmental considerations would need to be carefully evaluated. The Dutch government and local authorities would likely need to balance the need for renewable energy with preserving the characteristic landscape and agricultural productivity of the 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: Sunday 25th of August 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.
