Anyone with rooftop solar panels can now offset the excess energy supplied on sunny days with the energy purchased on darker days. In recent years, this so-called net metering scheme has successfully stimulated the installation of solar panels in homes.
Cheaper
However, solar panels have gotten significantly cheaper in recent years. The government therefore wants to reduce its subsidies in the coming years and abolish them completely in 2031. “The scheme costs too much money,” says political journalist Leendert Beekman. Instead, energy companies have to pay a minimum price for the electricity fed in, and that minimum will be capped. “Environment Minister Rob Jetten is thinking about a payback of at least 80 percent, but to accommodate the energy companies he wants to think about a maximum rate of the minimum,” says Beekman.
According to VVD deputy Silvio Erkens, who is in favor of abolishing the net metering scheme, he recognizes this as a dilemma. “That cap should prevent costs for energy companies from skyrocketing and being passed on to people without solar panels.” According to Erkens, the limit should only apply in crisis situations. “Only in exceptional cases.”
Left-wing parties warn, however, that this risks undermining the further growth of the ‘sun on the roof’. They fear that it will soon no longer be interesting enough for homeowners in particular to invest in solar panels. While being able to generate electricity on its own, it can also help tenants reduce their energy bills.
Uncertain majority
Other opposition parties are also highly critical of the phasing out of the net metering regime. This means that the majority for the corresponding legislative amendment in the Senate is uncertain.
The coalition parties support the abolition, but for the moment they appear to be the only ones to do so. They also want to change the proposal on various points. They are asking the cabinet to ensure that households with solar panels, who in effect become energy suppliers, can make money. It is feared that energy companies in particular will benefit.
Batteries
VVD and ChristenUnie also want the government to invest in the development of batteries and other forms of energy storage. Households with solar panels can then use it. The parties themselves express their unease at the fact that the Cabinet on the one hand is eliminating support for families with solar energy, and on the other hand is giving a boost to the subsidy for large solar parks. “Sun on the roof” is not only a good form of energy due to limited space, but also to support the energy transition, according to VVD member Erkens.