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This paper describes the core model that lies behind an online modeling environment for photovoltaic (PV) energy generation in the Netherlands, called the Dutch PV Portal 2.0 (PVP 2.0). PVP 2.0 realizes three functionalities: (i) a real-time system efficiency breakdown figure, (ii) an estimate of national solar electricity production, and (iii) an economic analysis for small-scale to large scale PV systems. The unique and novel aspects of this website are the dynamically updated climate database, the rainfall-dependent soiling loss calculation, and the orientation-dependent inverter sizing factor. This paper also justifies the PVP 2.0 capabilities in large scale studies. First, the PVP 2.0 modeling approach was validated by yield comparison with 26 real PV systems distributed over the Netherlands. The validation resulted in −11% to +5.5% deviation from measured data. Then, a back-end sensitivity study found that a rain-free summer in the Netherlands results in an AC energy loss of 3.4% in that period, while a change in wind speed or ambient temperature could lead to losses around 2–4.5 GWh/year (0.58%–1.16%) on province scale. The core of the approach presented in this paper can be used to develop similar websites for other countries of interest with adapted add-ons depending on the target climate condition. Such study tools could eventually provide more quantitative insights about the impact of climate change (by applying probable scenarios) on the renewable energy production of the World. • A comprehensive website for solar electricity in the Netherlands was created. • The website contains multiple innovative features not present in other websites. • The website database provides real-time meteorological data for public use. • The website enables back-end sensitivity analysis. • The methodology behind the website can be replicated for other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: With increased global concerns on climate change, the need for innovative spaces which can provide thermal comfort and energy efficiency is also increasing. This paper analyses the effects of transitional spaces on energy performance and indoor thermal comfort of low-rise dwellings in the Netherlands, at present and projected in 2050. For this analysis the four climate scenarios for 2050 from the Royal Dutch Meteorological Institute (KNMI) were used. Including a courtyard within a Dutch terraced dwelling on the one hand showed an increase in annual heating energy demand but on the other hand a decrease in the number of summer discomfort hours. An atrium integrated into a Dutch terraced dwelling reduced the heating demand but increased the number of discomfort hours in summer. Analysing the monthly energy performance, comfort hours and the climate scenarios indicated that using an open courtyard May through October and an atrium, i.e. a covered courtyard, in the rest of the year establishes an optimum balance between energy use and summer comfort for the severest climate scenario. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]