The energy-saving scheme makes solar panels more attractive for many people. The previous cabinet wanted to phase out the energy-saving scheme step by step from 2025 to 2031, but the Senate voted against this bill. This seemed like good news for solar panel owners for a while, but now the new cabinet wants to phase out the energy-saving scheme abolish altogether by 2027. Whether this will actually happen remains to be seen.
The net-metering scheme was created in 2004 to encourage the use of renewable energy. The net-metering scheme allows owners of solar panels to supply the electricity they generate but do not use directly to the grid. This returned energy is then deducted from the annual energy bill, with no energy tax payable on this amount.
If you generate more electricity with your solar panels than you use yourself, you will receive compensation from your energy supplier for the surplus. This compensation is usually lower than the price you pay for consuming electricity. The exact compensation can be vary by supplier.
The cabinet had plans to phase out the energy-saving scheme from 2025 to zero per cent in 2031. Minister Jetten proposed phasing out the energy-saving scheme because solar panels have now become affordable enough to be a profitable investment even without it. The argument is that non-owners of solar panels contribute to the financial benefit of the balancing scheme.
Moreover, the increase in solar panels leads to more fluctuations in electricity supply, which challenges grid stability and increases costs for all energy customers. The solar industry sees the abolition of the net-metering scheme as an incentive for consumers to use their self-generated energy more efficiently, reducing the load on the grid.
It now seems that the new government is going to abolish the net-metering scheme after all, without phasing it out. This may increase the payback period of solar panels, but fortunately solar panels last about 25 years these days. So solar panels remain a good investment and contribute to energy independence.
Owners can prepare by investing in home batteries to store self-generated energy for later use, reducing dependence on the grid. Moreover, a home energy management system can contribute to a more efficient use of electricity. This system regulates electric car charging and automatically activates appliances when sunlight is available. Home batteries are expected to become cheaper with the abolition of the net-metering scheme.
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