Solar PV Analysis of Veenendaal, Netherlands
The location at Veenendaal, Utrecht, Netherlands is moderately ideal for generating energy via solar PV throughout the year. The amount of electricity that can be produced changes with the seasons due to differences in sunlight intensity and duration.
In summer, each kilowatt (kW) of installed solar can generate about 5.42 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day. This is the best time of year for solar generation at this location because days are longer and sunlight is stronger.
During autumn, each kW of installed solar produces around 2.14 kWh/day. In winter, which has shorter daylight hours and weaker sunlight, each kW generates only about 1.01 kWh/day.
Spring sees a significant increase in production with each kW generating approximately 4.36 kWh/day as daylight hours lengthen and sunlight strength increases.
To maximize total yearly production from solar PV at this location, panels should be fixed at an angle tilted 44 degrees towards the South. This orientation allows them to capture more direct sunlight throughout different times of the day and across all seasons.
The main environmental factors that could impede solar power production in Veenendaal include cloudy weather conditions or heavy snowfall during winter which may block sunlight reaching the panels; local buildings or trees might also cast shadows on the panels limiting their exposure to sun light.
To mitigate these factors:
1) Regular maintenance including cleaning off dust or snow from panels will ensure they receive maximum possible sunlight.
2) If feasible, installing tracking systems that adjust panel orientation following sun’s path across sky can help optimize their exposure to sun light.
3) It would also be beneficial if potential shadow-casting objects were identified before installation so panel placement could be adjusted accordingly for unobstructed access to sunshine throughout most parts of day/year.
Remember though: while these measures can enhance performance they also involve additional costs which need consideration when planning a new installation or upgrading existing one.
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 Veenendaal
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 52.0211, Longitude: 5.5828 (Veenendaal, 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 Veenendaal, Netherlands
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Veenendaal, Netherlands (Lat/Long 52.0211, 5.5828) 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 Veenendaal, 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 Veenendaal, 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 | 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 Veenendaal, 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 Veenendaal, 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 Veenendaal, Netherlands
Veenendaal is located in the central part of Netherlands, which is characterized by its flat landscape. The topography around Veenendaal is mostly low-lying terrain with slight undulations. The area also includes a mix of urban development and rural farmland.
In terms of solar PV potential, flat areas are generally suitable for large-scale solar farms as they allow for easy installation and maintenance of panels. In addition, these areas can accommodate tracking systems that follow the sun's path across the sky to maximize energy generation.
Around Veenendaal, there are several open fields in the surrounding countryside that could potentially be used for large scale solar PV installations. Also, given its urban setting, rooftops on commercial or industrial buildings within Veenendaal itself could also provide significant capacity for smaller scale distributed solar power generation.
However, it's important to note that suitability would not only depend on topography but also factors like local weather patterns (amount of sunlight), land use restrictions and environmental considerations. Therefore a detailed feasibility study would be required to identify specific sites most suited for largescale solar PV around Veenendaal.
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: Saturday 13th of July 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.
