Veendam, Groningen, a town in the Netherlands, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation. Located at 53.1119°N, 6.8596°E in the Northern Temperate Zone, this location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 5.29 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 4.18 kWh/day. However, the colder months see a dramatic drop in production. Autumn yields only 1.95 kWh/day, while winter plummets to a mere 0.86 kWh/day.

These figures highlight the stark contrast between the warm and cold seasons. The long summer days in Veendam provide excellent conditions for solar energy production, making it an ideal time for maximizing solar output. Spring also offers good potential, with increasing daylight hours and generally clear skies.

Optimizing Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar production in Veendam, Groningen, fixed solar panels should be tilted at an angle of 44 degrees facing south. This optimal angle helps capture the most sunlight throughout the year, balancing the low winter sun with the higher summer sun path.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several factors can impact solar production in Veendam:

1. Cloud cover: The region experiences frequent overcast conditions, especially in autumn and winter, reducing solar efficiency.
2. Rain and humidity: High precipitation levels can affect panel performance and require regular cleaning.
3. Short winter days: The extreme reduction in daylight hours during winter significantly limits solar production.

To mitigate these challenges, consider the following measures:

1. Use high-efficiency panels designed for low-light conditions.
2. Implement a robust cleaning schedule to combat the effects of rain and humidity.
3. Consider a hybrid system with wind energy to complement solar during less productive months.
4. Install snow-shedding systems to prevent winter accumulation on panels.

While Veendam's location presents challenges for year-round solar production, proper planning and technology can still make solar energy a viable option, especially during the more favorable months of spring and summer.

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 Veendam

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 53.1119, Longitude: 6.8596 (Veendam, 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 Veendam, Netherlands

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Veendam, Netherlands (Lat/Long 53.1119, 6.8596) 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 Veendam, 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 Veendam, 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	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 Veendam, 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 Veendam, 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.

Topography for solar PV around Veendam, Netherlands

The area around Veendam, Netherlands, located at coordinates 53.1119°N, 6.8596°E, is characterized by a predominantly flat landscape typical of the northern Netherlands. This region, part of the province of Groningen, is situated in the low-lying peatlands that have been extensively modified by human activity over centuries. The topography of Veendam and its surroundings is remarkably level, with very little natural elevation change. The land has been shaped by a long history of peat extraction and subsequent agricultural development. As a result, the area consists of vast, open fields interspersed with straight drainage canals and ditches that form a grid-like pattern across the landscape. These waterways are essential for managing water levels in this low-lying region. To the east of Veendam, one can find the Oldambt region, which is known for its expansive agricultural fields and distant horizons. This area, sometimes referred to as the "Grain Republic," features some of the largest continuous stretches of farmland in the Netherlands. The western side of Veendam transitions into similar flat terrain, with a mix of agricultural land and small patches of woodland.

Suitability for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV installations, several factors come into play. The flat terrain around Veendam offers advantages for solar energy development, as it provides unobstructed exposure to sunlight and simplifies construction and maintenance processes. The agricultural lands to the east and southeast of Veendam, particularly in the Oldambt region, could be well-suited for solar PV projects. These areas offer large, continuous tracts of land with minimal shading from trees or buildings. The existing grid-like structure of fields and access roads could facilitate the layout and connection of solar arrays. Another potentially suitable area lies to the southwest of Veendam, where there are extensive open spaces with good solar exposure. This region, which includes parts of the Veenkoloniën (Peat Colonies), has a history of energy production through peat extraction and could be repurposed for renewable energy generation. It's important to note that while the topography is favorable, the implementation of large-scale solar projects would need to balance energy production goals with the preservation of agricultural land and local ecosystems. Additionally, the high water table and potential for flooding in this low-lying region would require careful planning and engineering to ensure the longevity and efficiency of any solar installations. In conclusion, the flat, open landscapes surrounding Veendam offer promising conditions for solar PV development, with the eastern and southwestern areas presenting particularly suitable topography for large-scale projects. However, any such developments would need to be carefully integrated with existing land uses and environmental considerations.

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

Tell Us About Your Work

We love seeing how our research helps others! If you've cited this article in your work, we'd be delighted to hear about it. Drop us a line via our Contact Us page or on X, to share where you've used our information - we may feature a link to your work on our site. This helps create a network of valuable resources for others in the solar energy community and helps us understand how our research is contributing to the field. Plus, we occasionally highlight exceptional works that reference our research on our social media channels.

Feeling generous?

Share this with your friends!

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.