Submitted by elsbeth on Tue, 2009-10-27 18:22

Solar energy in the Netherlands?

 

Solar cells work even when it is overcast outside. Clouds only block part of the sunlight, the rest of which gets diffused and reflected. So part of the sunlight, called the diffuse light, still reaches the earth. In the Netherlands, we always get around 1000 kWh/m2 of per year sunlight. The problem in the Netherlands is not so much the annual supply, but rather the vast difference between winter and summer. So it is vital to have a secondary energy source to make up the difference.

For grid-connected systems, 1000 Wp of solar panels typically supply around 750 – 850 kWh a year with optimal orientation and tilt. In the Netherlands, solar panels absorb the maximum amount of irradiation (100%) at a tilt of 36º and an orientation of 5º west of due south.