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Flag of NetherlandsSolar PV Analysis of Rijssen, Netherlands

Graph of hourly avg kWh electricity output per kW of Solar PV installed in Rijssen, Netherlands (by season)

Rijssen, Overijssel, Netherlands, located at 52.3072, 6.5127, presents a moderate location for solar PV energy generation with significant seasonal variations. This northern European site experiences substantial differences in solar production throughout the year, with summer months yielding over five times more energy than winter months.

The seasonal solar production pattern at this location shows clear peaks and valleys. In summer, panels produce a respectable 5.26kWh per day for each kilowatt installed. Spring follows as the second most productive season with 4.17kWh/day. Production drops considerably in autumn to 2.12kWh/day, while winter sees minimal generation at just 1.01kWh/day per installed kilowatt.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed panel installations in Rijssen, Overijssel, the ideal tilt angle is 44 degrees facing South. This specific angle maximizes year-round energy production by optimizing the panel's exposure to the sun's changing position across seasons. This calculation takes into account Rijssen's northern hemisphere location and the weighted solar potential throughout the year.

Environmental Factors

Several environmental factors can impact solar production at this location:

  • Cloud cover and precipitation: The Netherlands experiences significant cloud cover year-round, particularly in autumn and winter. This reduces direct sunlight reaching panels.
  • Snow accumulation: Winter snowfall can temporarily cover panels, though typically not for extended periods.
  • Fog and mist: Morning fog, common in this region, can delay peak production hours.

Preventative Measures

To maximize solar production in Rijssen despite these challenges, several installation approaches can help:

  • Install self-cleaning panels or implement regular cleaning schedules to remove dirt and debris that accumulates, especially after dry periods followed by light rain.
  • Consider slightly steeper panel angles than the mathematical optimum (perhaps 45-50 degrees) to facilitate better snow sliding and self-cleaning from rainfall.
  • Ensure panels are installed with adequate spacing and elevation to prevent shading from nearby trees, buildings, or other structures, particularly during low-sun winter months.
  • Use high-efficiency panels designed for diffuse light conditions, as they perform better under cloudy skies common in the Netherlands.

While Rijssen isn't ideal for year-round solar production compared to sunnier regions, properly installed systems can still provide significant energy, especially from March through September when approximately 70% of the annual production occurs. The substantial difference between summer and winter production means homeowners should plan for alternative or supplementary energy sources during the darker 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 Rijssen

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 52.3072, Longitude: 6.5127 (Rijssen, 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:

Summer
Average 5.26kWh/day in Summer.
Autumn
Average 2.12kWh/day in Autumn.
Winter
Average 1.01kWh/day in Winter.
Spring
Average 4.17kWh/day in Spring.

 

Ideally tilt fixed solar panels 44° South in Rijssen, Netherlands

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Rijssen, Netherlands (Lat/Long 52.3072, 6.5127) 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.

The sun
At Latitude: 52.3072, Longitude: 6.5127, the ideal angle to tilt panels is 44° South

Seasonally adjusted solar panel tilt angles for Rijssen, 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 Rijssen, 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

Assuming you can modify the tilt angle of your solar PV panels throughout the year, you can optimize your solar generation in Rijssen, Netherlands as follows: In Summer, set the angle of your panels to 36° facing South. In Autumn, tilt panels to 55° facing South for maximum generation. During Winter, adjust your solar panels to a 65° angle towards the South for optimal energy production. Lastly, in Spring, position your panels at a 44° angle facing South to capture the most solar energy in Rijssen, Netherlands.

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 Rijssen, 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 Rijssen, Netherlands.

Our calculation method

  1. Solar Position:
    We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination.
  2. Shadow Projection:
    We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle.
  3. 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.






Please enter information above to calculate panel spacing.

Topography for solar PV around Rijssen, Netherlands

Rijssen is situated in the eastern part of the Netherlands in the province of Overijssel. The topography around Rijssen is characterized by a gentle, mostly flat landscape with subtle variations in elevation. This area is part of the larger Twente region, which features a mix of agricultural lands, small forests, and some modest hills.

Landscape Features

The immediate surroundings of Rijssen include the Holterberg to the west, which is part of the Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park. This area represents one of the few significant elevations in the region, with hills rising to approximately 75 meters above sea level. These hills formed during the Saale ice age when glaciers pushed sand deposits into ridge formations. The eastern side of Rijssen transitions into more typical Dutch lowlands with agricultural fields and scattered woodlands. Water features are also present in the landscape, with small streams and canals crisscrossing the area. The Regge river flows near Rijssen, contributing to the local drainage system that has been managed through human intervention for centuries.

Soil Conditions

The soil around Rijssen varies from sandy to loamy, reflecting the region's glacial history. The higher areas typically have sandy soils, while the lower-lying areas may have more moisture-retentive loamy soils or even some peat in certain locations. This soil diversity has traditionally shaped land use patterns in the region.

Potential Areas for Solar PV Development

For large-scale solar PV installations, the agricultural lands to the east and southeast of Rijssen present the most suitable opportunities. These areas offer relatively flat terrain with minimal shading from natural features or buildings. The open fields provide ample space for arrays of solar panels without significant topographical challenges that would complicate installation or reduce efficiency. The agricultural zone between Rijssen and neighboring Wierden would be particularly advantageous for solar development due to its flat profile and existing infrastructure connections. Similarly, areas north of Rijssen toward Enter offer extensive agricultural plots with favorable conditions. Areas to avoid would include the Holterberg and Sallandse Heuvelrug to the west, which have environmental protections as a national park and would face restrictions on development. Additionally, these hilly areas would present installation challenges and potential shading issues that could reduce solar efficiency. The immediate urban areas around Rijssen itself would be less suitable for large-scale installations due to space limitations, though they might accommodate smaller commercial or community solar projects on existing structures or brownfield sites. When considering solar development in this region, it's important to note that the Netherlands has been actively encouraging dual-use approaches that combine agricultural activities with solar generation, sometimes called "agrivoltaics." This approach might be particularly relevant for the farming areas around Rijssen, allowing for continued agricultural production alongside renewable energy generation.

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

Article: Solar PV Analysis of Rijssen, Netherlands
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Monday 28th of April 2025
Last Updated: Sunday 14th of September 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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