It is therefore logical that many homeowners wonder: is it still worth having solar panels? And how do you make sure you still get maximum benefit from your own solar power?
More and more people with solar panels are looking ahead. Research shows that almost half are considering switching to a dynamic energy contract after the end of the net-metering scheme. Younger homeowners in particular see opportunities in this.
With a dynamic contract, you do not pay a fixed or variable rate, but the current hourly electricity price. During the day, these prices are often low, especially when the sun is shining brightly. In the evening, when demand rises, prices can rise considerably. So those who know how to time their energy consumption cleverly can benefit greatly from this.
In contrast, feeding power back at sunny times yields little. This is because that is when the supply on the grid is high, causing the price to drop. It is therefore increasingly important to use your own generated electricity.
Once net-metering disappears, the revenue model of solar panels changes. The focus shifts to direct consumption. The more power you use yourself at the time of generation, the greater your benefit.
Fortunately, this does not have to be a complicated adjustment. You can already achieve a lot with simple choices. Run your washing machine during the day instead of in the evening. Charge your electric car when the sun shines. Or use a smart thermostat or energy app that automatically anticipates sunny moments.
You can also set appliances like a heat pump or air conditioner to switch on mainly when the power is cheap or self-generated. And with a home battery, you save your own power for later, for example for the evening hours when power from the grid is more expensive.
A dynamic contract suits people who are open to a slightly more flexible way of using energy or want to use smart technology. If you prefer predictable costs and little hassle, then a fixed or variable contract might feel more comfortable.
What fits best depends on your situation. Understanding your consumption and what your solar panels generate is the first step. With that, you can choose a strategy that really works for your household.
To be sure. Even without net-metering, solar panels remain a smart investment. Households still save hundreds of euros a year on average, as long as they use or store part of the generated electricity themselves. With forty to fifty per cent own consumption, the payback period remains around ten years.
Then you will enjoy virtually free electricity for years. You make yourself less dependent on rising energy prices and contribute to a more sustainable Netherlands.
Don't wait until 2027. Now is the time to prepare. Get insight into your consumption, look at your installation and decide which energy contract suits you best.
At DuurzaamXL, we don't just look at your solar panels, but at the big picture. We give advice on how to make optimal use of your solar power, which technologies can help and which energy contract suits your home and lifestyle. Not a standard solution, but a plan that really suits you.
Want to know how to get the most out of your solar panels, even without offsetting? Feel free to contact us for personal advice.
English 
Dutch