Solar PV Analysis of Workum, Netherlands
Workum, Friesland, Netherlands is a decent location for generating solar power year-round, but it's not the most ideal. The amount of electricity you can get from solar panels depends on how much sunlight they receive. In Workum, Friesland, the output varies by season.
In summer and spring, the panels would produce quite a bit of energy - about 5.42 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day in summer and 4.36 kWh/day in spring for each kilowatt (kW) of installed solar capacity. These are good numbers because there's more sunlight during these seasons.
However, in autumn and winter, the output drops significantly to around 2.14 kWh/day and 1.01 kWh/day respectively due to shorter days and less intense sunlight.
To maximize total yearly production from your solar panels at this location, you should tilt them at an angle of 45 degrees facing South. This will ensure that they get as much sun exposure as possible throughout the year.
As for local factors that might affect your solar production - weather could be one issue here in Workum like many places in Northern Europe where cloud cover can be significant especially during autumn and winter months which may reduce amount of sunlight reaching your panels thus reducing their output.
One way to mitigate this would be installing more efficient panels designed to perform well under cloudy conditions or possibly using trackers that move with the sun ensuring maximum exposure even on shorter or cloudier days although these solutions may come with higher upfront costs but could improve overall system performance over time especially if longer darker periods are common in area.
Also regular maintenance such as cleaning accumulated dust or snow off your panels will help maintain their efficiency as any obstruction can reduce amount of light hitting them thereby reducing their power generation capabilities.
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 Workum
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 52.9801, Longitude: 5.4469 (Workum, 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 45° South in Workum, Netherlands
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Workum, Netherlands (Lat/Long 52.9801, 5.4469) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 45° 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 Workum, 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 Workum, Netherlands. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 45° 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 | 66° South in Winter | 45° 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 Workum, 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 Workum, 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 Workum, Netherlands
Workum is located in the province of Friesland in the northern part of the Netherlands. The topography around Workum is characterized by flat, low-lying lands, with an average elevation of just a few meters above sea level. It is typical of much of the Netherlands, which is known for its extensive plains and gentle slopes.
The region has a maritime temperate climate with relatively mild summers and winters. While it does receive ample sunlight during certain periods of the year, it also experiences significant cloud cover and rainfall throughout much of the year.
Given this topography and climate, large-scale solar PV installations could be feasible in this area considering its flat terrain which makes installation easier. However, several factors need to be considered:
1) Farmland: The region around Workum consists largely of agricultural land. Solar panels could potentially be installed on less fertile or unused farmland without obstructing farming activities.
2) Roofs: Another potential site for solar PV installations are rooftops - both residential and commercial/industrial buildings can host these systems without requiring additional land space.
3) Near water bodies: Considering that Workum lies near IJsselmeer lake, floating solar farms could also be an option if regulations permit it.
4) Brownfield sites: If there are any disused industrial sites (brownfields), they might offer suitable locations as well due to their typically larger areas and lower environmental impact compared to greenfield development.
However, all these options would require careful consideration regarding local regulations, potential environmental impacts including effect on bird migration paths (especially for near-water installations), aesthetic concerns from locals etc., before going ahead with large-scale solar PV projects.
Remember that while there's enough sunlight for solar power generation in theory; efficiency may not always meet expectations due to weather conditions like cloud cover or rain – hence thorough feasibility studies should precede any such project implementation decision.
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 27th of June 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.
