Solar PV Analysis of Gorredijk, Netherlands
Gorredijk, Friesland, a town in the Netherlands, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation throughout the year. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this site experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive daily output of 5.35kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 4.25kWh/day. However, the performance drops considerably during autumn, with only 2.01kWh/day, and reaches its lowest point in winter, producing a mere 0.90kWh/day.
These figures highlight that Gorredijk's solar potential is heavily concentrated in the warmer months, particularly from late spring through early autumn. During this period, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased energy production.
Optimizing Solar Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Gorredijk, Friesland, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 44-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle helps capture the most sunlight throughout the year, considering the location's latitude and seasonal sun paths.
Environmental Considerations
While Gorredijk doesn't face extreme environmental challenges for solar production, there are some factors to consider:
- Cloud cover: The Netherlands is known for its cloudy climate, which can reduce solar efficiency.
- Rain and humidity: Frequent precipitation may lead to dirt accumulation on panels.
To mitigate these issues, consider installing self-cleaning panels or implementing regular maintenance schedules. Additionally, using high-efficiency panels can help maximize output even during overcast conditions.
In conclusion, while Gorredijk's location is not ideal for year-round solar production due to significant seasonal variations, proper panel placement and maintenance can still yield substantial energy during the more favorable months.
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 Gorredijk
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 53.006, Longitude: 6.0698 (Gorredijk, 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 Gorredijk, Netherlands
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Gorredijk, Netherlands (Lat/Long 53.006, 6.0698) 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 Gorredijk, 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 Gorredijk, 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 | 56° South in Autumn | 66° South in Winter | 45° 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 Gorredijk, 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 Gorredijk, 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 Gorredijk, Netherlands
The area around Gorredijk, Netherlands, is characterized by a predominantly flat landscape typical of much of the country. This region, located in the province of Friesland, is part of the larger lowland area that makes up a significant portion of the Netherlands. The topography is generally very level, with only subtle variations in elevation across the landscape.
The surrounding countryside is marked by a mix of agricultural fields, meadows, and small patches of woodland. Numerous small streams and drainage canals crisscross the area, a common feature in Dutch landscapes designed to manage water levels in this low-lying region. These waterways contribute to the area's gentle contours but do not significantly alter the overall flat nature of the terrain.
In terms of suitability for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the flat terrain around Gorredijk offers several advantages. The lack of significant hills or mountains means there are fewer natural obstacles that could cast shadows or impede sunlight from reaching solar panels. This flat topography also simplifies the construction and maintenance of large solar arrays.
Areas most suited for large-scale solar PV near Gorredijk would likely be open agricultural fields or unused parcels of land that are not designated for other purposes. Ideal locations would be away from residential areas and any protected natural habitats. Fields that are currently used for low-yield crops or grazing could potentially be repurposed for solar energy production, providing they meet local zoning and environmental regulations.
It's worth noting that while the flat terrain is advantageous, the relatively northern latitude of Gorredijk means that solar irradiance (the amount of solar energy received) is lower compared to more southern regions. This factor would need to be considered when planning any large-scale solar projects in the area. Additionally, the presence of drainage canals and potential for flooding in this low-lying region would require careful site selection and engineering to ensure the longevity and efficiency of any solar installations.
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 11th of September 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.
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Calculate Your Optimal Solar Panel Tilt Angle: A Comprehensive Guide
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