The net metering scheme is ending. What does that mean for your solar panels?

The energy market is changing. And the rules are changing with it. That is why Prets keeps a close eye on what is happening in home sustainability. One of the biggest changes right now is the end of the Dutch net metering scheme on 1 January 2027. Not every detail has been finalised yet. But we already know enough to explain what it could mean for you.

For households with solar panels, the calculation is changing. Not because solar panels are suddenly no longer worthwhile, but because using the electricity you generate yourself will become more important.

First things first: what is net metering?

Your solar panels generate electricity during the day. If you do not use that electricity straight away, you feed it back into the grid. At the moment, you can offset the electricity you feed back against the electricity you use from your energy supplier at another time. This is called net metering.

From 1 January 2027, this will no longer be possible. You will no longer be able to offset electricity you feed into the grid against electricity you use later. That makes it even more important to use your solar power as soon as it is generated.

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.