Dutch Net Metering Scheme for Solar Panels to End by 2027
The Hague, Wednesday, 18 December 2024.
The Dutch Senate’s decision to end the net metering scheme by 2027 will impact solar panel owners, prompting increased self-consumption and efficiency in solar energy use.
Legislative Decision and Timeline
On December 17, 2024, the Dutch Senate (Eerste Kamer) voted to terminate the ‘salderingsregeling’ by January 1, 2027 [1]. This net metering scheme, which has been instrumental in making solar panels financially attractive for households [1][2], will undergo significant changes that affect approximately 2.6 million Dutch households with solar installations [1].
Current Market Impact
The announcement has already influenced the solar market, with a notable decline in solar panel demand observed since fall 2023 [1]. The current installed capacity stands impressively at 10.1 gigawatts for residential installations, representing about 42% of the Netherlands’ total solar capacity [1]. This marks a significant 25 percent increase from 2022 levels [1].
Future Compensation Framework
While the exact details of future compensation remain under development, solar panel owners will continue to receive some form of reimbursement for excess energy supplied to the grid post-2027 [1]. According to Olof van der Gaag, President of NVDE, the policy shift necessitates support mechanisms to help households optimize their self-consumption patterns [1].
Amsterdam’s Solar Potential
Despite these policy changes, cities like Amsterdam demonstrate the ongoing potential for solar energy. Recent studies indicate that Amsterdam could meet nearly half of its electricity needs through better utilization of rooftop solar installations [3]. The city is currently progressing toward its goal of 550 Megawatt (MW) of installed solar panel capacity by 2030, up from the current 315 MW [3], showing continued commitment to solar energy despite policy changes.