Solar PV Analysis of Raalte, Netherlands
The location at Raalte, Overijssel, Netherlands is somewhat suitable for generating energy via solar PV year-round, but it's not the most ideal due to its seasonal variations. During summer and spring, you can expect a decent amount of solar energy generation with around 5.32 kWh/day and 4.24 kWh/day respectively per kW of installed solar. These periods are the best times for generating solar power in this location due to longer daylight hours and better weather conditions.
However, during autumn and winter, the amount of energy generated significantly drops to about 2.18 kWh/day and 1.05 kWh/day respectively per kW of installed solar because of shorter daylight hours and less favorable weather conditions like cloudy skies or snow.
For a fixed panel installation at this location, tilting the panels at an angle of 44 degrees towards South would be optimal to maximize total year-round production from solar PV as it would allow the panels to capture maximum sunlight throughout different times in a day over all seasons.
As for local factors that could impede solar production at this location; environmental factors such as cloud cover or snowfall during autumn/winter could reduce sunlight reaching the panels thus affecting their efficiency. Topography-wise if there are tall buildings or trees nearby they might cast shadows on your panels especially during low sun angles in winter which can also affect their performance.
Preventative measures when installing your PV system could include choosing a spot with minimal shading throughout the day/year if possible; installing additional equipment like snow guards (if heavy snowfall is common) that prevent accumulation on your panels; regular cleaning/maintenance especially after bad weather events; using higher quality/efficiency modules that perform better under sub-optimal conditions etc.
In conclusion: while Raalte isn't an ideal location compared to sunnier areas closer to equator for instance; with careful planning/installation/maintenance you can still generate decent amounts of clean renewable energy from your PV system year-round.
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 Raalte
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 52.3846, Longitude: 6.2799 (Raalte, 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 Raalte, Netherlands
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Raalte, Netherlands (Lat/Long 52.3846, 6.2799) 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 Raalte, 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 Raalte, 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 | 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 Raalte, 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 Raalte, 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 Raalte, Netherlands
Raalte, Netherlands is located in the province of Overijssel and is characterized by a flat landscape typical of much of the Netherlands. The topography mostly consists of low-lying plains with some small hills and forests, as well as agricultural fields and water bodies.
For large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, flat or gently sloping areas are preferred to minimize installation costs and maximize sun exposure. Therefore, the agricultural fields around Raalte could be suitable for such projects given their relatively flat terrain. However, it's important to note that using agricultural land for solar PV can lead to conflicts over land use because it may reduce the area available for food production.
Alternatively, rooftops in urban areas or industrial zones within or near Raalte could also be used for solar PV installations. This would not only utilize already developed spaces but also reduce transmission losses since electricity is generated close to where it's consumed.
Another possible location could be on or near water bodies like ponds or lakes (floatovoltaics). The Netherlands has been experimenting with this type of installation due its lack of available land space.
However, any decisions about specific locations would require more detailed studies taking into account factors like local climate conditions (e.g., cloud cover), potential impacts on wildlife and ecosystems, grid connectivity issues 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: Friday 2nd of February 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.
