Solar PV Analysis of Heemskerk, Netherlands
The location at Heemskerk, North Holland, Netherlands is somewhat suitable for generating energy using solar photovoltaic (PV) technology. However, its effectiveness varies greatly depending on the season.
In summer and spring, solar panels can produce quite a bit of electricity - 5.42 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day in summer and 4.36 kWh/day in spring for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. This means that these are the best times to generate solar power at this location because there's more sunlight available.
However, during autumn and winter, the amount of electricity produced drops significantly due to shorter daylight hours and less intense sunlight - down to just 2.14 kWh/day in autumn and even lower at 1.01 kWh/day in winter.
For a fixed panel installation here, tilting the panels towards the south at an angle of about 44 degrees would maximize their exposure to sunlight throughout the year which will result in higher total annual energy production from your PV system.
There may be some local factors that could affect solar production at this location though:
1) Weather: The Netherlands is known for its cloudy weather which can limit sunlight exposure.
2) Environmental: Buildings or trees nearby might cast shadows over your panels reducing their efficiency.
3) Seasonal changes: As mentioned earlier, seasonal variations significantly affect how much sun you'll get.
To mitigate these issues:
- You could install additional or larger panels to compensate for periods with less sunshine.
- Make sure your site selection is free from obstructions like buildings or trees that might cast shadows over your panels.
- Regular maintenance such as cleaning off any dirt or snow from your panels can also help keep them operating efficiently.
Overall while not ideal compared to sunnier locations closer to equator, it's still possible to harness solar energy effectively here especially if you take into account potential challenges when planning out your installation project.
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 Heemskerk
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 52.5086, Longitude: 4.6763 (Heemskerk, 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 Heemskerk, Netherlands
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Heemskerk, Netherlands (Lat/Long 52.5086, 4.6763) 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 Heemskerk, 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 Heemskerk, 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 | 66° 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 Heemskerk, 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 Heemskerk, 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 Heemskerk, Netherlands
Heemskerk is located in the province of North Holland, Netherlands. The area is characterized by flat and low-lying terrain as it's part of the Dutch coastal region, which is typical for much of the Netherlands. The land around Heemskerk largely consists of polders (reclaimed lands), meadows, fields, and some urban areas.
The flat landscape provides a good potential for solar PV installations since there are fewer obstructions to sunlight. However, considering that large-scale solar farms require substantial space and should ideally be placed close to transmission lines to minimize costs associated with power transport, suitable locations would typically include:
1) Unused or underutilized agricultural lands: These can be an ideal location provided they do not conflict with local farming activities or environmental regulations.
2) Industrial zones: Especially if they have unused spaces or rooftops that could host solar panels.
3) Near infrastructure such as highways or railways: These areas often have adjacent lands that may be less suited for other uses but perfect for solar panel installation.
4) Brownfield sites: Abandoned or underused industrial sites can also be suitable locations due to their proximity to existing power grid connections.
5) Rooftops in urban areas: Large buildings such as warehouses and factories often have extensive rooftop space where solar panels could be installed without using additional ground space.
However, before any decision can be made regarding the suitability of these areas for large-scale PV systems installation, a detailed site-specific assessment needs to be carried out considering various factors including sunlight exposure level (solar irradiance), land use restrictions/regulations, proximity to power grids among others.
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 2nd of June 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.
