Solar PV Analysis of Zoutkamp, Netherlands
The location at Zoutkamp, Groningen, Netherlands is moderately suitable for year-round energy generation through solar PV. It's not the most ideal location due to its position in the Northern Temperate Zone which means it experiences significant seasonal variations in sunlight.
In summer, each kilowatt of installed solar can produce around 5.35 kWh per day which makes it an excellent season for solar power generation here. Spring also shows good potential with about 4.25 kWh/day generated per kW of installed solar.
However, autumn and winter see a significant drop in production due to shorter days and less intense sunlight with respective daily outputs of 2.01 kWh and 0.90 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity.
To maximize total yearly production from a fixed panel installation at this location, the panels should ideally be tilted at an angle of 45 degrees facing South as this will ensure they receive maximum exposure to available sunlight throughout the year.
There could be some local factors that might affect the efficiency of solar power generation such as cloudy or rainy weather common in Netherlands, especially during autumn and winter seasons when sunlight availability is already low. These conditions would further reduce the amount of light reaching your panels thereby reducing their output even more during these periods.
To mitigate against these issues, one could consider using higher efficiency photovoltaic cells that perform better under lower light conditions or installing additional capacity to compensate for reduced performance during less sunny periods.
Regular maintenance like cleaning panels from dust or snow accumulation can also help maintain optimal performance by ensuring maximum light absorption by your panels all year round.
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 Zoutkamp
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 53.3349, Longitude: 6.3011 (Zoutkamp, 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 Zoutkamp, Netherlands
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Zoutkamp, Netherlands (Lat/Long 53.3349, 6.3011) 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 Zoutkamp, 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 Zoutkamp, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 37° South in Summer | 56° 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 Zoutkamp, 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 Zoutkamp, 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 Zoutkamp, Netherlands
Zoutkamp, Netherlands is located in the province of Groningen and it is characterized by flat landscape as it's part of the North European Plain. The area has a coastal climate with moderate temperatures and consistent rainfall throughout the year.
Considering solar PV installation, flat areas are generally well-suited for large-scale solar farms because they minimize the need for extensive site preparation work such as grading or clearing. In addition, given that Zoutkamp is relatively close to the coast, this might provide an advantage due to higher levels of sunlight reflection off water bodies.
However, there are other factors that need to be considered when determining suitability for large-scale solar PV installations:
1) Solar insolation: This refers to how much sun exposure an area receives. The more direct sunlight an area gets throughout the year, the more energy a photovoltaic system can produce.
2) Land use: It's important to consider current land use and zoning regulations before planning a large-scale solar farm. Agricultural lands or protected natural areas may not be suitable or permitted for such developments.
3) Proximity to power grid: Large scale solar installations require access to transmission lines or substations in order to distribute generated electricity efficiently.
4) Environmental impact: Any potential environmental impacts should also be assessed including effects on local wildlife habitats and ecosystems.
Therefore detailed site-specific assessments would still be necessary despite having favorable topography.
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 12th 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.
