Dutch Solar Panels Still Pay Off Despite Net Metering Phase-Out in 2027

2026-01-10 green

Netherlands, Saturday, 10 January 2026.
Solar energy remains financially advantageous for Dutch households even after net metering ends January 1, 2027. While the regulation helped solar installations surge from under 1% to 17.8% of electricity production by 2024, experts confirm solar power costs just €0.05 per kWh over 25 years compared to higher supplier rates.

Market Response Shows Declining Installations Amid Regulatory Uncertainty

The announcement of net metering’s termination has already created significant market turbulence. Net operators registered a concerning 48 percent fewer new solar panel installations in the first three quarters of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 [2]. This dramatic decline underscores how regulatory uncertainty directly impacts consumer investment decisions in renewable energy infrastructure. The Dutch solar panel market has been struggling since the abolishment of net metering was first announced, creating a chilling effect that extends beyond immediate financial considerations [1].

Financial Analysis Reveals Continued Solar Viability Beyond 2027

Despite the regulatory shift, financial analysis indicates solar installations remain economically sound investments. Wijnand van Hooff, director of Holland Solar, confirms that solar energy costs average €0.05 per kWh over 25 years [1]. Robert Harmsen, an energy policy researcher at Utrecht University, acknowledges that while little profit will be made from feeding electricity back to the grid, the fundamental economics remain favorable [1]. Emeritus Professor Martien Visser emphasizes that solar energy continues to be cheaper than energy purchased from suppliers, though the financial advantage for solar panel owners will decrease starting in 2027 [1].

Industry Innovations Address Changing Energy Consumption Patterns

Solar technology companies are adapting their offerings to maximize self-consumption in the post-net metering landscape. Solarix in Weesp is developing solar panels integrated into building facades, though efficiency varies significantly by color - light gray panels experience 10-15 percent efficiency loss while bright red panels see 40 percent reductions [1]. The industry is increasingly orienting panels east and west instead of traditional south-facing installations to better align energy production with household consumption patterns [1]. East-facing panels generate energy during morning hours while west-facing installations produce electricity in the evening, creating better synchronization with typical household usage [1].

Policy Proposals Seek to Maintain Solar Investment Attractiveness

Six major organizations including Eigen Huis, Consumentenbond, Woonbond, Aedes, Milieudefensie, and Natuur & Milieu have collectively appealed to informateur Rianne Letschert to implement measures preserving solar panel attractiveness after 2027 [2][3][5]. Their proposals include establishing a solar power subsidy with fixed compensation per returned kilowatt hour for 15 years capped at 3,000 kWh annually, maintaining net metering exclusively for energy tax components as a transitional arrangement, or implementing purchase subsidies combined with reduced phase-out timelines [2][3]. The organizations emphasize that focusing solely on higher self-consumption is not a comprehensive solution, as not all households can feasibly adopt electric vehicles, smart appliances, or heat pump installations [2].

Bronnen

solar energy net metering