Solar PV Analysis of Vlijmen, Netherlands
The location in Vlijmen, North Brabant, Netherlands, situated at 51.6896° N, 5.2088° E, presents a mixed picture for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This Northern Temperate Zone location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which impacts the overall efficiency of solar installations.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar energy production in Vlijmen peaks during the summer months, with an impressive daily output of 5.35 kWh per kW of installed capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 4.56 kWh/day. However, autumn sees a substantial drop to 2.33 kWh/day, while winter performance plummets to a mere 1.17 kWh/day.
These figures highlight the stark contrast between the productive summer and spring seasons and the challenging autumn and winter periods. The location's potential for solar energy is most favorable from late spring through early autumn when daylight hours are longer and solar intensity is higher.
Optimal Panel Configuration
To maximize year-round solar production at this location, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 44-degree angle facing south. This optimal tilt angle takes into account the sun's changing position throughout the year and aims to capture the most sunlight possible across all seasons.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
While Vlijmen's location is generally suitable for solar PV installation, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Cloud cover: The Netherlands is known for its frequent cloudy weather, which can significantly reduce solar output, especially during autumn and winter.
- Rain and humidity: High levels of precipitation and humidity can affect panel efficiency and may require more frequent cleaning.
To mitigate these challenges, consider implementing the following measures:
- Use high-efficiency solar panels designed to perform well in low-light conditions.
- Install a robust cleaning system or schedule regular maintenance to combat the effects of rain and humidity.
- Consider adding a solar tracking system to maximize energy capture, particularly during the less productive months.
In conclusion, while Vlijmen's location presents some challenges for year-round solar energy production, proper panel configuration and maintenance can help maximize output. The substantial energy generation during spring and summer can offset the reduced performance in autumn and winter, making solar PV a viable option for this Dutch location.
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 Vlijmen
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.6896, Longitude: 5.2088 (Vlijmen, 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 Vlijmen, Netherlands
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Vlijmen, Netherlands (Lat/Long 51.6896, 5.2088) 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 Vlijmen, 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 Vlijmen, 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 Vlijmen, 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 Vlijmen, 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 Vlijmen, Netherlands
The area around Vlijmen, Netherlands, is characterized by a predominantly flat landscape typical of the Dutch lowlands. This region, located in the province of North Brabant, is part of the larger Rhine-Meuse-Scheldt river delta. The topography is generally very level, with minimal elevation changes across the area.
Vlijmen itself sits at an elevation of just a few meters above sea level. The surrounding terrain consists mainly of open fields, pastures, and agricultural land. To the north of Vlijmen, you'll find the Meuse River (known locally as the Maas), which has shaped the landscape over millennia. The river's floodplain contributes to the area's flatness and fertile soil.
While there are no significant hills or mountains in the immediate vicinity, the landscape is dotted with small waterways, drainage canals, and occasional patches of woodland. These features add subtle variations to an otherwise uniform topography. The flat terrain is interrupted only by man-made structures such as dikes, which play a crucial role in water management and flood protection in this low-lying region.
Areas Suitable for Large-Scale Solar PV
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play:
1. Open agricultural land: The expansive, flat farmlands surrounding Vlijmen offer excellent potential for solar farms. These areas provide ample space and unobstructed access to sunlight, which is crucial for maximizing solar energy production.
2. Unused industrial zones: Any nearby industrial parks or brownfield sites that are currently underutilized could be repurposed for solar PV installations. These areas often have existing infrastructure that can be adapted for solar energy projects.
3. Water-adjacent areas: While care must be taken to avoid environmentally sensitive zones, some areas near water bodies like the Meuse River might be suitable. These locations often have good exposure to sunlight and could potentially incorporate floating solar panels.
4. Alongside transportation corridors: Land adjacent to major roads or railways, which is often less suitable for agriculture or other developments, could be utilized for solar installations. These areas are typically already somewhat disturbed and may have existing access to electrical infrastructure.
It's important to note that any large-scale solar PV project would need to balance energy production goals with environmental considerations, agricultural needs, and local zoning regulations. The flat topography of the region generally favors solar energy development, but site-specific assessments would be necessary to determine the most suitable locations.
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: Thursday 10th of October 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.
