Solar panels and the end of the net-metering scheme

The Woonbond is receiving many questions about the end of net-metering

The Woonbond is receiving numerous inquiries regarding the consequences of phasing out the net-metering scheme (*salderingsregeling*) and the "feed-in charges" (*terugleverkosten*) that energy suppliers are now applying to surplus solar electricity. One common question is whether it makes sense to simply switch off one’s solar panels.

Should I switch off my solar panels?

I am being charged feed-in fees for the solar electricity I don’t use. Is it wise to turn off my solar panels once the net-metering scheme ends?

It is not advisable to switch off your solar panels (or the inverter). There are important reasons to keep them running:

Costs remain, as does free solar electricity

The net-metering scheme is set to end on January 1, 2027. Once it ends, you will no longer be able to use electricity generated at one time during a different period. Consequently, the financial benefit of having solar panels will be significantly reduced.

If you switch off your solar panels, you will still be required to pay the monthly costs to your landlord—but you will no longer benefit from the free electricity generated by the panels. It is much wiser to consume as much of your solar-generated electricity as possible at the time it is produced.

A very small payment for fed-back electricity

Energy suppliers charge feed-in fees for the solar electricity you do not consume yourself and instead feed back into the grid. However, you also receive a "feed-in payment" (*terugleververgoeding*) for that surplus electricity.

Currently, almost all energy contracts for 2027 offer a feed-in payment that is slightly higher than the feed-in charges. The exact amount depends on the terms of your specific energy contract. Check your own electricity contract for details on this.

Although the amount you receive per kilowatt-hour (kWh) may be very small, it is still better than nothing. For this reason, it is always worth keeping your solar panels switched on.

You still consume electricity even when you are not at home

Even when you are away—for instance, while on vacation—it is best to keep your solar panels running. Your home continues to consume power through appliances that remain on, such as your refrigerator and freezer, ventilation system, central heating boiler, or electric water heater.

The same applies to your router/Wi-Fi box, digital clocks on various appliances, and devices left in standby mode.

While you could unplug everything, this is strongly discouraged, especially for your home’s essential systems. Whenever the sun shines, these appliances will run on the (free) electricity you generate yourself.

Protection against overloading and power outages

It is also not advisable to switch off your solar panels or inverter due to concerns about overloading the power grid. Inverters are equipped with surge protection, which shields your solar panels from peak loads—such as those caused by an overproduction of solar energy or a lightning strike.

Similarly, a power outage will not harm your solar panels or inverter. Like all other electrical appliances, they will simply shut down temporarily. They do not require any recalibration; once power is restored to the grid, they will automatically switch back on.

Grounding ensures safety

It is essential that your solar panels and inverters are properly grounded. This is crucial for the electrical safety of the system, as grounding helps prevent the risk of fire in your home. “We don’t yet know what the situation will be like in 2027 and beyond,” says Van Perlo of the Woonbond. “We still hope that the government will make solar panels attractive for tenants once again. In any case, it is wise to keep the solar panels switched on and to use the electricity as much as possible while it is being generated.”

Source: www.woonbond.nl