Solar PV Analysis of Wateringen, Netherlands
The location in Wateringen, South Holland, Netherlands, is pretty decent for generating solar energy all year round. However, its efficiency varies with the changing seasons.
During summer and spring, you can expect to generate a good amount of electricity - around 5.42 and 4.36 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day from each kilowatt (kW) of installed solar power respectively. This means that these two seasons are the best times to harness solar energy at this location.
On the other hand, autumn and winter see a significant drop in production with roughly 2.14 kWh/day and just 1.01 kWh/day being generated per kW of installed solar power respectively during these periods.
To optimize your total annual output from your Solar PV system at this location, you should tilt your panels towards South at an angle of approximately 44 degrees.
As far as local factors that could affect your solar production are concerned; weather conditions such as heavy cloud cover or fog could potentially reduce the effectiveness of your panels since they rely on sunlight to produce electricity. In addition to this, if there are tall buildings or trees nearby that cast shadows onto the panels it would also hinder their productivity.
In order to overcome these potential impediments; when installing your panels ensure they're positioned where they will receive maximum sunlight throughout the day without any obstructions blocking them like tall structures or trees etc., Also consider investing in high-quality panels which perform better under less ideal light conditions such as cloudy days or partial shade situations.
Another factor worth considering is regular maintenance which includes cleaning dust or snow off the surface of the panel so it doesn't block incoming sunlight thus ensuring optimal performance even during less than perfect weather conditions.
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 Wateringen
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 52.0232, Longitude: 4.2723 (Wateringen, 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 Wateringen, Netherlands
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Wateringen, Netherlands (Lat/Long 52.0232, 4.2723) 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 Wateringen, 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 Wateringen, 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 Wateringen, 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 Wateringen, 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 Wateringen, Netherlands
The topography around Wateringen, Netherlands is generally flat with low-lying terrain, as it's typical for most parts of the country. The region lies just above sea level and consists mainly of polders (areas of land reclaimed from a body of water) and canals. This makes the area prone to flooding but also provides fertile soil for agriculture.
As for large-scale solar PV installations, open fields or farmlands would be suitable due to their flatness and unobstructed sunlight exposure. However, considering the high density of agricultural activities in this region, it might be challenging to find enough unused land.
Alternatively, rooftop solar panels could be installed on buildings throughout urban areas nearby such as Den Haag or Delft. This approach allows for taking advantage of already developed spaces without needing additional land.
Another potential option could be floating solar farms on bodies of water like lakes or reservoirs which are common in this area due to its extensive canal system.
However, any decision should take into account local regulations and environmental impact assessments. It's also important to consider factors such as local climate (including average sun hours), grid connectivity and infrastructure costs when planning large-scale solar PV projects.
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 1st of May 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.
