Solar panels, feed-in and the 2027 change
Net metering ends on 1 January 2027. After that, what your supplier pays for the power you feed back, and what it charges for it, becomes a real difference in your bill.
Until the end of 2026, the net-metering scheme (saldering) lets you offset the power your panels feed into the grid against the power you draw, one for one. From 1 January 2027 that scheme ends. After that, the feed-in compensation and any feed-in costs (terugleverkosten) your supplier charges vary a lot, so with solar panels the choice of supplier matters more than it used to.
What net metering (saldering) is
Net metering lets you subtract the electricity your panels feed back into the grid from the electricity you take from it, so you effectively only pay for your net usage. It has made solar panels very attractive in the Netherlands. This scheme runs until the end of 2026.
What changes on 1 January 2027
From 1 January 2027 net metering ends. You will still be paid for the power you feed back, but no longer one for one against what you draw. The exact compensation, and whether your supplier charges separate feed-in costs (terugleverkosten) for handling your solar power, then differs per supplier and becomes a real part of your yearly cost.
This makes comparing more important for solar owners, not less. Two suppliers with a similar rate can differ significantly once feed-in is taken into account.
What to do if you have panels
When you compare, enter your feed-in (how much your panels return), not just your usage, so the ranking reflects your real situation. The cheapest supplier for a household without panels is often not the cheapest for a household with them. Look specifically at feed-in compensation and feed-in costs, and avoid locking into a long contract that treats solar poorly right before the rules change.
Frequently asked questions
When does net metering end in the Netherlands?
The net-metering scheme (saldering) ends on 1 January 2027. Until the end of 2026 you can still offset the power you feed back against the power you draw, one for one.
Will my solar panels still be worth it after 2027?
Yes, but the economics change. You will still be paid for power you feed back, just not one for one. Your supplier's feed-in compensation and any feed-in costs then make a real difference, which is why comparing on those terms matters after 2027.
What are terugleverkosten (feed-in costs)?
Some suppliers charge a separate fee for handling the solar power you feed into the grid. These feed-in costs vary a lot per supplier, so with panels they can change which supplier is cheapest for you.
How should I compare with solar panels?
Enter your feed-in as well as your usage, so the ranking reflects your real situation. Look specifically at feed-in compensation and feed-in costs, not just the rate per kWh.