Solar panels  (important information from Wetland Wonen)

Many Wetland Wonen homes have solar panels. With solar panels, you generate your own electricity. This is good for the environment and can help lower your energy costs. Wetland Wonen installs the solar panels free of charge, and you do not pay a separate monthly fee for them.

Installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting are carried out by our partners Feenstra and Norm. Do you have an Ecorus sticker in your meter cupboard? Then you can use the same contact details. Ecorus is now called Norm.

The number of solar panels we install varies per home. We look at the size and orientation of the roof, the amount of sunlight, any shade, and the technical possibilities of the home. 

You can use the electricity generated by your solar panels directly in your home. That yields the greatest benefit. The net metering scheme will end on January 1, 2027. Therefore, it is smart to use appliances as much as possible during the day, when your solar panels are generating power.

Below you will find frequently asked questions about solar panels and related matters, along with the answers from Wetland Wonen. This can be found on the Wetland Wonen website.

Can I apply for solar panels?

No. Wetland Wonen installs solar panels as part of a project or at a home that is being re-rented. Is it your home's turn? Then you will hear from us. 

Why do my neighbors have solar panels and I don't?

Not every home is suitable for solar panels. This depends, for example, on the orientation of the roof, shading, or technical possibilities. It is also possible that your home has not yet been scheduled.

I live in an apartment. Will I get solar panels?

At the moment, we do not install solar panels on apartments. This is often technically more complicated because multiple homes use the same roof.

Can I install extra solar panels myself?

No, that is not allowed. 

How do solar panels work?

Solar panels convert daylight into electricity. Are you using electricity in your home at that moment? Then you use the electricity from your solar panels first. Do you use less electricity than you generate? Then you feed the rest back into the electricity grid.

Solar panels also work on cloudy days. This is because they need daylight, not just bright sun. However, they do generate more electricity on sunny days.

How do I see how much electricity my solar panels generate?

When the solar panels were installed, you received information on how to view the yield. On a smart meter, you can see how much electricity you are feeding back into the grid.

Please note: the smart meter does not show all generated electricity. Electricity that you use directly in your home is not included in this measurement.

What is net metering?

Your solar panels generate a lot of electricity, especially during the day and in the summer. You do not always use that electricity immediately. The electricity you do not use is fed back into the grid.

Up to and including 31 December 2026, your energy supplier may offset the electricity you feed back against the electricity you use later. This is called net metering. 

Example:

• You use 2,500 kWh of electricity per year.
• You feed 1,500 kWh of electricity back into the grid.
• Through net metering, you ultimately pay for 1,000 kWh of electricity.

What changes from January 1, 2027?

The net metering scheme will end on January 1, 2027. You will then no longer be able to offset electricity fed back into the grid against electricity you use later. Your solar panels will, however, continue to generate electricity as usual. Do you use the electricity directly yourself? That offers the greatest benefit, because you no longer need to purchase this electricity from your energy supplier. Electricity that you do not use immediately is fed back into the electricity grid. You will receive compensation for this from your energy supplier. 

Will solar panels still be cost-effective from 2027?

Yes. Solar panels will continue to provide benefits, especially if you use the generated electricity immediately. However, the financial benefit will likely become smaller than it is now. Would you like to know what this means for your situation?

Then contact your energy supplier. They can make an estimate based on your consumption and feed-in.

How do I get the most benefit from my solar panels starting in 2027?

Use electricity as much as possible when the sun is shining. For example, run the washing machine or dishwasher during the day, or charge your electric bike during the day.

What do feed-in tariffs and feed-in costs mean for me?

From January 1, 2027, you will receive compensation from your energy supplier for electricity you feed back into the grid. Some energy suppliers also charge fees for feeding electricity back. The amount of these fees varies per energy supplier and energy contract. Wetland Wonen has no influence on this. Although the rules are changing, solar panels will continue to provide benefits in many cases, especially if you use the electricity you generate directly yourself. 

Would it be better for me to switch to another energy supplier?

That can sometimes be advantageous. Compare not only the electricity price, but also the feed-in tariff and any feed-in costs.

Am I allowed to adjust or turn off the solar panels?

No. The solar panels are part of the house and may not be modified or switched off. This could cause malfunctions or damage. 

Am I allowed to install a home battery?

No. At this moment, Wetland Wonen does not permit the installation of home batteries. The technology and regulations are still fully under development. There are also concerns regarding fire safety.

Who maintains the solar panels?

The solar panels are from Wetland Wonen. We take care of maintenance, breakdowns, and insurance. You do not have to clean or insure the solar panels yourself.

What should I do in the event of a malfunction?

Do you think the solar panels are not working properly? Then contact Feenstra or Norm (formerly Ecorus). The sticker in your meter cupboard indicates which party is responsible for your installation and how to contact them.

Source: www.wetlandwonen.nl