Reutum, Overijssel, a village in the Netherlands, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this area experiences significant seasonal variations in solar potential.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 5.32 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 4.24 kWh/day. However, the output drops considerably during autumn (2.18 kWh/day) and plummets in winter (1.05 kWh/day).
These figures highlight the stark contrast between the bright, long days of summer and the short, often overcast days of winter in this region. The substantial difference underscores the importance of efficient energy storage solutions to balance out the seasonal fluctuations.
Optimal Panel Installation
For fixed panel installations in Reutum, Overijssel, the ideal tilt angle is 44 degrees facing south. This angle maximizes year-round energy production by optimizing the panels' exposure to sunlight across all seasons.
Environmental Considerations
Several environmental factors could impact solar production in Reutum:
- Cloud cover: The Netherlands is known for its frequent cloud cover, which can significantly reduce solar panel efficiency.
- Rain and humidity: High levels of precipitation and humidity can affect panel performance and potentially lead to faster degradation if not properly managed.
To mitigate these challenges, consider using high-quality, weather-resistant panels and implementing regular cleaning and maintenance routines. Additionally, incorporating micro-inverters or power optimizers can help maximize energy production even under less-than-ideal conditions.
In conclusion, while Reutum's location is not ideal for year-round solar energy production, the strong performance during spring and summer months makes it a viable option. With proper planning and technology, solar PV systems can still provide significant energy contributions, particularly when combined with other renewable energy sources.
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 Reutum
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 52.3846, Longitude: 6.8365 (Reutum, 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 Reutum, Netherlands
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Reutum, Netherlands (Lat/Long 52.3846, 6.8365) 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 Reutum, 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 Reutum, 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 Reutum, 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 Reutum, 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 Reutum, Netherlands
The area around Reutum, Netherlands, is characterized by a relatively flat landscape typical of the eastern part of the country. This region, known as Twente, features a gentle, rolling topography with subtle elevation changes. The terrain is primarily composed of agricultural fields, meadows, and scattered patches of woodland.
The landscape has been shaped by glacial activity during the last ice age, resulting in a mix of sandy soils and low hills called "stuwwallen" or push moraines. These features create a slightly undulating surface, with elevation differences generally no more than a few meters. Small streams and drainage ditches crisscross the area, contributing to the region's water management system.
For large-scale solar PV installations, the areas most suited would be the open agricultural lands surrounding Reutum. These flat or gently sloping fields offer ample space and minimal shading, which are ideal conditions for solar panel arrays. The rural nature of the region means there are fewer obstacles like tall buildings or dense urban development that could cast shadows on the panels.
Specifically, the areas to the east and southeast of Reutum might be particularly well-suited for solar PV projects. These locations tend to have larger, uninterrupted stretches of farmland that could accommodate extensive solar installations. The slight southern orientation of some of the gentle slopes in these areas could potentially enhance the efficiency of solar panels by maximizing exposure to sunlight throughout the day.
However, it's important to note that any large-scale solar development would need to balance energy production goals with preserving the agricultural character of the region and protecting local ecosystems. Environmental impact assessments and careful planning would be necessary to ensure that solar projects are implemented sustainably and in harmony with the existing landscape and land use patterns.
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 8th of August 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.




