Solar PV Analysis of Made, Netherlands
Made, North Brabant, Netherlands, situated at latitude 51.6767 and longitude 4.7966, 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 impacts the overall efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems.
Seasonal Solar Performance
The solar energy production in Made follows a predictable pattern aligned with the changing seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive daily output of 5.35 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 4.56 kWh/day. However, the colder months see a substantial drop in energy production, with autumn yielding 2.33 kWh/day and winter plummeting to a mere 1.17 kWh/day.
Optimal Installation Angle
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Made, North Brabant, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 44 degrees facing south. This angle has been calculated to optimize the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the Earth's elliptical orbit and the location's specific latitude.
Environmental Considerations
While Made's location is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors that could potentially impact system performance:
- Cloud cover: The Netherlands is known for its cloudy climate, which can reduce solar irradiance reaching the panels.
- Rainfall: Frequent rain in the region may lead to dirt accumulation on panels, potentially decreasing efficiency.
To mitigate these factors, consider installing self-cleaning panels or implementing a regular cleaning schedule. Additionally, using high-efficiency panels designed to perform well in diffuse light conditions can help maintain energy production during overcast days.
Conclusion
While Made, North Brabant, Netherlands, may not be an ideal location for year-round solar energy production due to its significant seasonal variations, it still offers substantial potential, especially during spring and summer months. By optimizing panel placement and addressing environmental factors, residents can make the most of the available solar resources in this Northern Temperate Zone location.
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 Made
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.6767, Longitude: 4.7966 (Made, 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 Made, Netherlands
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Made, Netherlands (Lat/Long 51.6767, 4.7966) 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 Made, 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 Made, 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 Made, 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 Made, 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 Made, Netherlands
The area around Made, Netherlands, is characterized by a predominantly flat landscape typical of the Dutch lowlands. This region, located in the province of North Brabant, is part of the broader Rhine-Meuse-Scheldt delta, which has been heavily influenced by both natural river processes and human intervention over centuries.
The topography of Made and its surroundings is notably low-lying, with much of the land at or slightly above sea level. The terrain is mostly composed of polders, which are areas of reclaimed land protected by dikes and carefully managed through an intricate system of canals and pumps. These flat, open spaces are primarily used for agriculture, with a patchwork of fields stretching across the horizon.
To the north of Made, you'll find the Biesbosch National Park, a unique freshwater tidal area with a maze of rivers and small islands. This area, while not suitable for large-scale development, contributes to the region's overall flat and watery character.
Areas Suitable for Large-Scale Solar PV
When considering locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations near Made, several factors come into play. The ideal areas would be:
1. Large, open agricultural fields: The expansive, flat farmlands surrounding Made could be well-suited for solar farms. These areas offer the necessary space and are already cleared of trees or other obstructions that might shade solar panels.
2. Former industrial sites or brownfields: If there are any abandoned industrial areas or remediated brownfield sites in the vicinity, these could be repurposed for solar energy production without impacting valuable agricultural land.
3. Areas adjacent to existing infrastructure: Locations near power lines, substations, or major roads could be advantageous for easier grid connection and maintenance access.
4. Marginal lands: Any areas of poor-quality soil that are less productive for agriculture might be good candidates for solar development, as this would minimize the impact on food production.
It's important to note that while the flat topography of the region is generally favorable for solar PV installations, other factors such as local zoning regulations, environmental considerations, and community acceptance would also play crucial roles in determining the most suitable locations for large-scale solar projects near Made.
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 9th 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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