Solar PV Analysis of Rhoon, Netherlands
Rhoon, South Holland, Netherlands, situated at latitude 51.8537 and longitude 4.423, 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 solar PV installations.
Seasonal Solar Performance
The solar energy production in Rhoon follows a predictable pattern aligned with the changing seasons:
- Summer: 5.35 kWh/day
- Spring: 4.56 kWh/day
- Autumn: 2.33 kWh/day
- Winter: 1.17 kWh/day
Summer and spring are clearly the most productive seasons for solar energy in Rhoon. During these months, longer days and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar output. Conversely, autumn and winter see a significant drop in production due to shorter days and lower sun angles.
Optimal Panel Placement
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Rhoon, South Holland, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 44-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle helps capture the most sunlight throughout the year, balancing the varying sun positions across seasons.
Environmental and Weather Factors
Several factors can impact solar production in Rhoon:
1. Cloud cover: The Netherlands is known for its cloudy climate, which can significantly reduce solar output. To mitigate this, high-efficiency panels that perform well in diffuse light conditions should be considered.
2. Rain and humidity: Frequent rainfall can lead to dirt accumulation on panels. Installing self-cleaning panels or implementing regular cleaning schedules can help maintain optimal performance.
3. Coastal proximity: Rhoon's location near the coast means potential exposure to salt spray, which can corrode solar equipment. Using corrosion-resistant materials and protective coatings can extend the lifespan of the installation.
4. Urban shading: In built-up areas, surrounding structures may cast shadows on panels. Careful site assessment and potentially using microinverters or power optimizers can help minimize the impact of partial shading.
While these factors present challenges, they are not insurmountable. With proper planning and technology selection, Rhoon can still benefit from solar PV installations, particularly during the more productive summer and spring months.
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 Rhoon
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.8537, Longitude: 4.423 (Rhoon, 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 Rhoon, Netherlands
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Rhoon, Netherlands (Lat/Long 51.8537, 4.423) 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 Rhoon, 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 Rhoon, 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 Rhoon, 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 Rhoon, 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 Rhoon, Netherlands
The area around Rhoon, Netherlands, is characterized by a predominantly flat landscape typical of the Dutch lowlands. This region, located in the western part of the country, is part of the larger Rhine-Meuse-Scheldt delta. The topography is marked by its low elevation, with much of the land at or slightly above sea level.
The terrain surrounding Rhoon consists mainly of polders, which are areas of reclaimed land protected by dikes. These polders are crisscrossed by a network of canals and drainage ditches that help manage water levels and prevent flooding. The landscape is largely open, with few natural elevation changes, making it ideal for agriculture and urban development.
To the north and east of Rhoon, you'll find more urbanized areas, including the outskirts of Rotterdam, one of the Netherlands' largest cities. To the south and west, the landscape becomes more rural, with expanses of farmland and occasional small towns or villages.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors come into play. The flat, open nature of the landscape around Rhoon generally provides good conditions for solar energy production. However, the best locations would likely be:
- Agricultural areas to the south and west of Rhoon, where large, unobstructed fields could potentially be repurposed or shared for solar installations.
- Industrial zones on the outskirts of nearby urban areas, where large roof spaces or unused land parcels could be utilized for solar panels.
- Areas along major transportation corridors, such as highways or railway lines, where solar installations could be integrated without significantly impacting valuable agricultural land.
It's important to note that while the topography is favorable for solar PV, other factors such as local regulations, grid connectivity, and environmental considerations would also play crucial roles in determining the most suitable locations for large-scale solar projects in this area.
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: Wednesday 14th 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.
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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.
