Concept
The sun provides an inexhaustible source of energy. Solar energy
can provide a significant proportion of the world’s sustainable
energy requirement, thus helping to achieve the global climate
objectives. Solar energy can be converted into electricity (by
photovoltaic panels) or into heat (by thermal solar collectors).
Large-scale solar energy systems can be implemented by companies,
in new construction projects, and in the agricultural sector. It
would also be possible to create a full-scale power generating
station (a ‘solar power plant’), while smaller applications are
available to individual households in the form of solar-powered
boilers, rooftop PV panels, and heating systems for, say, a
swimming pool.
Solar energy can be used as a ‘stand-alone’ solution to generate heat or electricity, but can also be incorporated into other concepts. Examples of this approach include the energy-neutral home, various applications in the glasshouse-based horticultural sector, solar panels incorporated into a building’s windows and (glass) façade, and heat storage devices. As technology advances, there are likely to be further applications such as full climate control systems for buildings as well as business processes.
Recent years have seen a significant growth in the use of solar energy in Europe, with Germany, Spain, Italy and France emerging as frontrunners in the field. Many Dutch companies have enjoyed great export success. It is only comparatively recently that a domestic market has begun to develop; there remains much untapped potential. A number of major reference projects involving solar collectors and photovoltaic systems have already been implemented in the Netherlands.
The Netherlands’ largest solar collector system to date can be found in Haarlem. It has a collector field with a surface area of over 3,200 m2 and supplies heat to nine large apartment buildings, primarily for warm water. The excess heat generated in the summer months is stored underground for use in winter by means of heat-and-cold storage. This is one of the largest solar collector systems in Europe, certainly within the urban environment.
The Netherlands can also offer good references in the use of photovoltaic systems, particularly within the urban environment. The most prominent project to date is the ongoing ‘Stad van de Zon’ (Sun City) development in Heerhugowaard, which is to become the largest emissions-neutral residential district in the world. Its energy requirements will be met using various forms of sustainable energy, including a large scale solar energy system. Work on the project began in 2002 and is scheduled for completion in 2012.
Unique Selling Points
• The Netherlands has an excellent knowledge
base in the field of solar energy. The Energy Research Centre of
the Netherlands (ECN) is among the world leaders in solar energy
research, particularly that focusing on the development of the next
generation of photovoltaic systems.
• The Netherlands can also offer extensive expertise in the
production of ultra-thin photovoltaic films, which enable solar
energy systems to be integrated into glass and other components of
a building’s exterior without detracting from its aesthetic
qualities.
• Dutch manufacturers have extensive experience in designing
and implementing large-scale photovoltaic systems, both in the
Netherlands and – especially – other countries.
• Over the past 25 years, Dutch suppliers of solar collector
systems have made major advances in terms of the efficiency, visual
integration and modularity of their products, establishing
extremely high standards of quality.
• Dutch solar collector systems can be supplied with a
‘runback’ option which automatically shuts down the collector in
extremely hot or cold weather. The fluid in the system (used to
transfer heat) drains into a buffer container inside the building
where it is protected against the elements. This Dutch invention
renders the entire system extremely reliable and virtually
maintenance-free.
• For many years, Dutch researchers have been working to
develop a combined photovoltaic and solar collector panel which
will generate heat and electricity simultaneously. A working
prototype has now been produced. Where space is limited, this
solution can generate considerably more energy than two separate
parallel systems.
• Within the next ten years, electricity from solar energy is
expected to become significantly less expensive than that generated
using fossil fuels.
Climate impact
Solar energy is the cleanest form of energy
generation there is. It accounts for zero CO2 emissions and has
none of the drawbacks associated with conventional generation
methods relying on fossil-fuels (coal, gas, or oil) or nuclear
energy. Calculations by the ECN suggest that over 50% of the energy
requirement of Dutch towns and cities can eventually be met using
solar energy.
Market parties and research institutes
The Netherlands has several research institutes
specializing in solar technology, companies which supply solar
energy products and systems, and production technology resources,
as well as consultancy services and project developers that have
expertise in the field. Most are members of the industry
association ‘Holland Solar’.
Best practice reference projects in the Netherlands
• Schalkwijk: 2 MW heat supply system in
Haarlem
• Stad van de Zon, Heerhugowaard
• Van Melle (Breda): process heat supply
• Floriade solar roof
Potential obstacles to international business
• Significant differences in national feed-in tariffs
• Significant differences in national legislation
• Connection to the grid is often subject to lengthy and
complex approval procedures
• Product approval