What Happens When Net Metering (Saldering) Ends?
If you own solar panels in the Netherlands, you've probably heard that the salderingsregeling (net metering scheme) will end on 1 January 2027.
For many homeowners, this raises important questions:
- Will my solar panels still be worth it?
- Will my energy bill increase?
- Should I buy a home battery?
- What can I do to prepare?
The good news is that solar panels will continue to generate valuable electricity. However, the way that value is calculated will change significantly.
What Is Net Metering (Saldering)?
The current salderingsregeling allows homeowners to offset the electricity they export to the grid against the electricity they consume from the grid.
In practice, this means that electricity generated during sunny summer days can effectively be used to reduce your electricity bill during evenings, winter months, and periods of lower solar production.
For example:
- You consume 3,500 kWh per year.
- Your solar panels generate 3,000 kWh per year.
- Under the current scheme, those 3,000 kWh can be offset against your consumption.
You only pay for the difference.
What Changes in 2027?
From 1 January 2027, homeowners will no longer be able to offset exported electricity against imported electricity.
You will still be able to feed electricity back into the grid, but your supplier will compensate you separately for that exported energy.
This means:
Before 2027
- Imported electricity and exported electricity are balanced against each other.
- You effectively receive the full retail value for exported electricity.
From 2027
- You pay for all electricity you import from the grid.
- You receive a separate compensation for electricity you export.
- Imported and exported electricity are no longer treated equally.
Will Solar Panels Still Be Worth It?
Yes.
Solar panels will continue to reduce your electricity costs because every kilowatt-hour (kWh) you generate and use directly is electricity you do not need to buy from your supplier.
In fact, self-consumption becomes more important than ever.
The households that benefit most after 2027 will be those that use a larger share of their solar energy themselves rather than exporting it to the grid.
Why Is the Government Ending Net Metering?
The Dutch government has stated several reasons:
- The scheme has become expensive.
- Solar panels are now significantly cheaper and more efficient than when the scheme was introduced.
- The government wants to encourage households to use more of their own solar energy instead of exporting it.
- Increasing self-consumption can help reduce pressure on the electricity grid.
What Happens to Excess Solar Energy?
You can still export electricity to the grid.
However, the compensation you receive will generally be lower than the price you pay when buying electricity from the grid.
The government has determined that suppliers must continue providing compensation for exported electricity, with minimum requirements applying through 2030.
As a result, every kilowatt-hour you consume yourself becomes more valuable than a kilowatt-hour exported to the grid.
How Can Homeowners Prepare?
1. Increase Self-Consumption
The simplest strategy is to use more electricity during periods of solar production.
Examples include:
- Running dishwashers during the day
- Charging an electric vehicle during daylight hours
- Operating heat pumps when solar production is highest
- Using smart energy management systems
The more solar energy you use directly, the less electricity you need to buy later.
2. Consider a Home Battery
A home battery stores excess solar energy that would otherwise be exported to the grid.
Instead of sending electricity back to the network during the day, you can use stored energy later in the evening when solar production drops.
Benefits include:
- Increased self-consumption
- Reduced grid imports
- Greater energy independence
- Better use of solar generation
For many homeowners, batteries are becoming increasingly attractive as the end of net metering approaches.
3. Smart Energy Management
Modern energy systems can automatically decide when to:
- Charge batteries
- Charge EVs
- Use household appliances
- Export electricity
Systems from manufacturers such as Sigenergy, Victron Energy, SMA and SolarEdge can help optimize energy flows throughout the day.
Does Everyone Need a Home Battery?
Not necessarily.
A battery is most beneficial when:
- You have a solar installation.
- You export significant amounts of electricity.
- You use most of your electricity during the evening.
- You own or plan to purchase an electric vehicle.
- You want greater energy independence.
For some households, changing consumption habits may provide meaningful savings without installing a battery.
For others, battery storage may become a key part of maximizing the value of their solar system.
What Does This Mean for the Future?
The end of net metering represents a shift in how homeowners think about energy.
Instead of focusing on how much electricity is generated, the focus increasingly moves toward:
- How much electricity is used directly
- How much electricity is stored
- How intelligently energy is managed
The homes that benefit most in the coming years are likely to combine:
- Solar panels
- Battery storage
- Smart energy management
- EV charging
Together, these technologies can help reduce reliance on the grid and increase long-term energy independence.
Key Takeaway
The end of net metering does not mean solar panels stop making financial sense.
It means the value of self-consumption becomes more important.
Homeowners who can use, store, and manage more of their own solar energy are likely to be in the strongest position after 2027.
For many households, this makes battery storage and smart energy management the natural next step in their energy journey.
Looking Ahead
At Heliovex Energy, we help homeowners prepare for the future of energy with trusted solutions from leading manufacturers including Dyness, BYD, Pylontech, Sigenergy, Victron Energy, SolarEdge and SMA.
Whether you're considering a home battery, upgrading your inverter, or planning a complete energy management system, our team can help you find the right solution for your home.
