Solar PV Analysis of Rolde, Netherlands
Rolde, Drenthe, a village in the Netherlands, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this site experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output.
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, yielding 4.24 kWh/day. However, autumn sees a substantial drop to 2.18 kWh/day, while winter performance plummets to a mere 1.05 kWh/day.
These figures highlight the stark contrast between the warm and cold seasons, with summer producing over five times more energy than winter. This variation is primarily due to the location's high latitude, resulting in longer days and higher sun angles during summer, and the opposite in winter.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round energy production, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 45-degree angle facing south. This orientation helps balance the seasonal differences, capturing more sunlight during the less productive winter months while still benefiting from the abundant summer sunshine.
Environmental Considerations
While Rolde's location is generally favorable for solar energy, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Cloud cover: The Netherlands is known for its cloudy climate, which can reduce solar efficiency.
- Rainfall: Frequent rain can temporarily decrease panel output, though it also helps keep panels clean.
To mitigate these factors, consider using high-efficiency panels designed for diffuse light conditions and ensure proper drainage and cleaning systems are in place. Additionally, implementing a robust monitoring system can help identify and address any performance issues promptly.
In conclusion, while Rolde's location presents challenges, particularly during the winter months, it still offers significant potential for solar energy generation, especially from late spring through early autumn. With proper planning and installation, solar PV systems can be a viable and sustainable energy source in this Dutch village.
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 Rolde
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 52.9825, Longitude: 6.6404 (Rolde, 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 Rolde, Netherlands
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Rolde, Netherlands (Lat/Long 52.9825, 6.6404) 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 Rolde, 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 Rolde, 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 | 56° 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 Rolde, 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 Rolde, 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 Rolde, Netherlands
The topography around Rolde, Netherlands, is characterized by a relatively flat landscape typical of the northern Dutch provinces. This area, located in the province of Drenthe, is part of the larger geomorphological region known as the Drenthe Plateau. Despite its name, the plateau is not significantly elevated compared to the surrounding areas.
The terrain around Rolde consists primarily of gently rolling hills and shallow valleys, with minimal elevation changes. The landscape has been shaped by glacial activity during the last ice age, resulting in a mix of sandy soils, scattered boulders (known as "erratics"), and occasional peat bogs. The average elevation in this region is approximately 10 to 20 meters above sea level.
The area surrounding Rolde is predominantly rural, featuring a combination of agricultural fields, small patches of woodland, and scattered settlements. The nearby Drentsche Aa stream system has carved shallow valleys through the landscape, creating a subtle undulating effect in some areas.
Regarding areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors come into play:
- Open agricultural land: The expansive farmlands surrounding Rolde offer potential sites for solar farms. These areas are generally flat, have good sun exposure, and are already cleared of trees.
- Former peat extraction sites: Some nearby areas that were previously used for peat extraction could be repurposed for solar installations. These sites are typically flat and open, making them suitable for large-scale projects.
- Industrial or commercial zones: Any nearby industrial parks or large commercial areas with extensive roof space could be utilized for solar panel installations.
- Degraded or low-quality agricultural land: Areas of poor soil quality that are less productive for farming could be converted to solar farms, providing an alternative use for the land.
It's important to note that while the topography is generally favorable for solar PV installations, other factors such as local regulations, grid connection availability, and environmental considerations would need to be taken into account when planning any large-scale solar projects in the area around Rolde.
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: Wednesday 11th of September 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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