How the End of Net Metering Affects Solar Panel Users

With the confirmed end of the net metering scheme in the Netherlands drawing closer, industry organizations share their perspectives on its impact.

Techniek Nederland on Entering a New Era of Energy Transition

With mixed reactions across industries to the decision to end the net metering scheme for solar panels starting January 1, 2027, trade associations agree the policy is now final. However, uncertainty remains regarding the compensation consumers will receive from energy suppliers for returned electricity.

Experts suggest that the end of the net metering scheme marks a new phase in the energy transition. Solar panel owners will need to increase their use of the power they generate, aiming to ease local grid congestion. To achieve this, self-consumption is expected to double through the use of smarter technologies like home batteries and heat pumps.

The government is urged to sustain incentives for purchasing solar panels, helping to address grid congestion and move toward a more sustainable, future-proof energy system.

The energy sector in the Netherlands welcomes the new agreement. While the net metering scheme played a significant role in the growth of solar energy, leading to widespread adoption of solar panels in households, it has become financially unsustainable. This decision is seen as a step toward ‘futureproofing’ the energy market.

To keep solar panels affordable without net metering, people are encouraged to pair their panels with hybrid heat pumps and home batteries, maximizing the use of the energy they generate. For lower-income households without solar panels, a targeted investment subsidy will be introduced to support their purchase.

Recognizing that this will need to become standard practice, it is believed that current efforts to encourage the use of one’s own solar power are primarily focused on behind-the-meter applications.

Source: https://solarmagazine.nl/nieuws-zonne-energie/i39054/reacties-op-einde-salderingsregeling-zonnepanelen-verstandig-en-noodzakelijk