Solar PV Analysis of Wageningen, Netherlands
Situated in the Netherlands, Wageningen is a promising location for solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. In this city, located at latitude 51.9772 and longitude 5.661, each kilowatt (kW) of installed solar capacity can yield an average daily energy output of 5.35 kilowatt-hours (kWh) during summer and 4.56 kWh in spring due to extended daylight hours and elevated temperatures associated with these seasons.
During autumn, the average daily output per kW reduces to approximately 2.33 kWh due to shorter daylight hours and lower sun intensity as the season transitions towards winter conditions. In winter, the least productive season for solar generation in Wageningen, Gelderland, each kW of installed solar capacity can still produce a respectable average of 1.17 kWh/day despite reduced sunlight exposure.
For fixed panel installations at this location, orienting panels at an optimal tilt angle towards South by approximately 44 degrees has been identified as ideal for maximizing year-round energy production.
In terms of environmental factors that could impede solar production in Wageningen, Gelderland, one should consider potential heavy rainfall or snowfall which could limit sunlight exposure on panels thereby reducing their efficiency temporarily until weather conditions improve or maintenance is conducted to clear off any accumulation on panels.
To ensure greater energy production under such circumstances, it would be beneficial to install systems that allow easy access for regular cleaning and maintenance activities; also considering anti-reflective coatings that can help reduce losses from incident light reflection during rainy days might be helpful too.
Despite these challenges however, they do not pose significant obstacles that would prevent successful implementation of PV systems in Wageningen; indeed they are common considerations applicable across many regions globally where PV installations have proven successful over time.
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 Wageningen
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.9772, Longitude: 5.661 (Wageningen, 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 Wageningen, Netherlands
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Wageningen, Netherlands (Lat/Long 51.9772, 5.661) 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 Wageningen, 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 Wageningen, 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 |
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 Wageningen, 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 Wageningen, 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 Wageningen, Netherlands
The topography around Wageningen, Netherlands is generally flat with some rolling hills. The nearby areas that would be most suitable for large-scale solar PV are the open fields and grasslands located to the north of the city, as well as on rooftops in urban areas. Additionally, there are several wind farms located in the area which could potentially be converted to solar PV sites.
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: Monday 11th of December 2023
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.
