Solar PV Analysis of Meppel, Netherlands
In Meppel, Drenthe, Netherlands (latitude: 52.6958, longitude: 6.1956), the average solar energy production per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity varies by season: 5.32 kWh in Summer, 2.18 kWh in Autumn, 1.05 kWh in Winter, and 4.24 kWh in Spring. The highest energy generation occurs during the summer months due to longer daylight hours and more direct sunlight exposure compared to other seasons like winter when days are shorter and sunlight is less direct.
Located within the Northern Temperate Zone, Meppel's weather conditions can sometimes pose challenges for solar power generation during periods of cloudiness or rain when there is limited direct sunlight available for photovoltaic cells to convert into electricity. However, Meppel generally experiences mild temperatures throughout the year with relatively low precipitation levels and ample sunshine hours during summer months.
This makes it a suitable location for generating solar power from photovoltaic cells all year round. To optimize energy production at this location, fixed panel installations should be tilted at an angle of 45 degrees facing south.
While there may not be any significant environmental or topographical factors impeding solar production in Meppel specifically, it is essential to consider potential shading from nearby buildings or trees when installing solar panels to ensure maximum energy output throughout the year.
In conclusion, Meppel's climate and geographical position make it a viable location for generating solar power using photovoltaic cells all year round with proper installation considerations such as panel tilt angle and avoiding shading obstacles that could hinder optimal energy production.
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 Meppel
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 52.6958, Longitude: 6.1956 (Meppel, 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 45° South in Meppel, Netherlands
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Meppel, Netherlands (Lat/Long 52.6958, 6.1956) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 45° 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 Meppel, 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 Meppel, Netherlands. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 45° 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 | 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 Meppel, 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 Meppel, 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 Meppel, Netherlands
Meppel is located in the province of Drenthe, Netherlands. The surrounding area consists mostly of flat terrain with some small hills and valleys. The area around Meppel is ideal for large-scale solar PV installations due to its wide open spaces and ample sunshine. Areas near the town center are best suited for smaller scale rooftop solar installations due to the presence of buildings and other structures that can block or shade sunlight. Areas further away from Meppel, such as fields and farmlands, would be better suited for larger scale solar PV projects.
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!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Thursday 30th of March 2023
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.
