Werkendam, North Brabant, Netherlands, situated at latitude 51.8115 and longitude 4.8869, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation throughout the year. This location in the Northern Temperate Zone experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which impact the overall efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Werkendam, North Brabant, with an average daily output of 5.35 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 4.56 kWh/day. However, the performance drops considerably during autumn (2.33 kWh/day) and reaches its lowest point in winter (1.17 kWh/day).

This stark contrast between seasons indicates that solar energy production in Werkendam is highly dependent on the time of year. The long, sunny days of summer and spring provide ideal conditions for solar PV systems, while the shorter, often overcast days of autumn and winter significantly reduce their effectiveness.

Optimizing Solar Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Werkendam, North Brabant, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 44 degrees facing south. This optimal angle has been calculated to balance the varying solar elevations throughout the year, ensuring the best possible energy capture across all seasons.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several factors can impact solar energy production in Werkendam:

1. Cloud cover: The Netherlands is known for its frequent overcast conditions, particularly in autumn and winter, which can significantly reduce solar output.
2. Rainfall: The region experiences considerable rainfall, which can temporarily decrease panel efficiency.
3. Coastal proximity: Werkendam's location near the coast may expose solar installations to salt spray, potentially causing corrosion over time.

To mitigate these challenges, consider using high-quality, corrosion-resistant materials for solar panel frames and mounting systems. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help combat the effects of salt spray and rainfall. Additionally, investing in more efficient solar panels can help maximize energy production during periods of reduced sunlight.

In conclusion, while Werkendam's location is not ideal for year-round solar energy production, proper installation techniques and preventative measures can still make solar PV systems a viable option, particularly during the more productive spring and summer months.

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 Werkendam

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.8115, Longitude: 4.8869 (Werkendam, 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 Werkendam, Netherlands

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Werkendam, Netherlands (Lat/Long 51.8115, 4.8869) 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 Werkendam, 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 Werkendam, 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 Werkendam, 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 Werkendam, 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 Werkendam, Netherlands

The area surrounding Werkendam, Netherlands, is characterized by a predominantly flat landscape typical of the Dutch lowlands. This region, situated in the province of North Brabant, is part of the Rhine-Meuse-Scheldt delta, where several major rivers converge before flowing into the North Sea. The topography is largely shaped by centuries of human intervention, including extensive land reclamation and water management projects. Werkendam itself is located near the confluence of the Nieuwe Merwede and Boven Merwede rivers, which are part of the complex network of waterways in the area. The surrounding terrain is primarily composed of polders – low-lying tracts of land that have been reclaimed from former marshes or riverbeds. These polders are protected by an intricate system of dikes and are often situated below sea level, requiring constant pumping to keep them dry.

Landscape Features

The landscape around Werkendam is dominated by agricultural fields, meadows, and pastures. These open spaces are interspersed with small patches of woodland and numerous waterways, including canals, streams, and drainage ditches. The area also features several nature reserves, such as the Biesbosch National Park to the west, which is known for its freshwater tidal wetlands, willow forests, and rich biodiversity.

Potential for Solar PV Development

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV installations, several factors come into play. The flat, open nature of the landscape around Werkendam provides ample opportunity for solar development. However, some areas may be more suitable than others: Agricultural land: The extensive agricultural areas in the region could potentially accommodate solar farms. However, this would need to be balanced against the need to preserve productive farmland. Industrial zones: Any existing industrial or commercial areas near Werkendam might be suitable for rooftop solar installations or ground-mounted systems on unused land. Reclaimed land: Some of the less productive reclaimed areas or polders could be repurposed for solar energy generation, provided they are not prone to flooding. Buffer zones: Areas along major infrastructure, such as highways or railway lines, could be utilized for linear solar installations. It's important to note that any large-scale solar PV development in this area would need to carefully consider environmental impacts, particularly given the proximity to sensitive ecosystems like the Biesbosch National Park. Additionally, the implementation of solar projects would need to account for the unique water management challenges of the region and ensure that installations do not interfere with existing flood control systems.

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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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.