The net-metering scheme is ending. How do you help your customer move forward?

"Will my solar panels still make sense?" That is a question your customer might well ask. The net-metering scheme is set to end on January 1, 2027. From that date, electricity fed back into the grid can no longer be offset against electricity consumed later. However, directly using the electricity you generate yourself remains valuable. As an installer, you can help analyze generation and consumption patterns and identify ways to increase the on-site use of solar power. In this blog, you can read about the upcoming changes and the questions you can discuss with your customers.

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What will you notice?

Electricity you use directly yourself will remain valuable.

After all, you will not need to buy that electricity from your energy supplier. But electricity that you first feed into the grid and later buy back will be worth less financially than it is today.

That is why it will become more important to use solar power at the same time your panels are generating it.

For example:

• run the washing machine during the day;
• start the dishwasher when the sun is shining;
• charge an electric car during the day;
• control a boiler or heat pump more efficiently;
• let appliances respond automatically to your solar production.

An average household uses around 30 percent of its own solar power directly. Smart controls can help increase that percentage.

In other words: do not generate more. Use it smarter.

What can you do now?

You do not have to wait until 2027 to prepare.

Start by asking yourself these questions:

• How much electricity do I generate each year?
• How much of it do I use directly?
• When do I use the most electricity?
• Can I run more appliances during the day?
• Does my current energy contract still suit my situation?
• Do I really need additional solar panels?
• Would another home improvement deliver more value?

Your next step may not be on the roof. It could be better insulation. Smarter EV charging. Or simply changing the settings on your appliances.

It does not have to be complicated.

But it does need to be calculated properly.

Calculate what the end of net metering means for you

A net metering calculator gives you an initial idea of what could change in your situation. It shows the potential difference between using electricity directly and feeding it back into the grid.

That makes the calculation personal. Not a general estimate, but an indication based on your solar panels and energy use.

Questions about solar panels?

Every home is different. So is every roof, energy contract and consumption pattern.

Want to know what makes sense in your situation? Talk to your installer. They can review your current system, your energy use and the possible next steps with you.