As an installer in the Netherlands, you know the demand for sustainable energy is soaring. Homeowners want to reduce their energy consumption and climate impact. But with many options like solar panels, heat pumps, solar thermal, and home batteries, how do you choose the best fit for each household?
This guide will help you advise your customers optimally.
Dutch Market Trends: PV, Heat Pumps, and Batteries on the Rise
The Dutch sustainable energy market is booming. Solar panels have been a hit for years: over 1/3rd of Dutch homes now have them, and their cost effectiveness keeps improving.
Heat pumps and home batteries are also rapidly gaining popularity. Over 20% of homeowners are considering installing one soon, driven by government targets. By 2030, 70% of Dutch electricity must be renewable, and from 2026, hybrid heat pumps will be mandatory for boiler replacements. This is a dynamic market with huge opportunities.
We will assess each option and their combinations:
Solar Panels: Still a Smart Investment, Despite Net-Metering Changes
With the net-metering scheme phasing out from January 1, 2027, many wonder if solar panels are still profitable. Absolutely! While unlimited offsetting will end, a “reasonable compensation” for returned energy will remain. The focus shifts to self-consumption. Solar panels remain an excellent investment to cut bills and boost energy independence.
Subsidies for Solar PV: Direct ISDE subsidies for solar PV are gone, but the VAT refund scheme is still a strong incentive. Homeowners can reclaim 21% VAT on purchase and installation, significantly lowering the initial cost.
Heat Pumps: The Future of Heating
Heat pumps are key to a gas-free home. When to recommend a fully electric versus a hybrid?
- Hybrid Heat Pump: This works with an existing central heating boiler. It’s ideal for existing homes not yet optimally insulated. It significantly cuts gas consumption (up to 60%), making it financially attractive, especially with fluctuating gas prices and gas demand for heating. The boiler only kicks in on the coldest days. Installation is relatively simple and cheaper than a fully electric system. The ISDE subsidy for hybrid heat pumps typically ranges from €1,250 to €2,500 (2025 rates), depending on capacity.
- Fully Electric Heat Pump: This completely replaces the boiler, making the home gas-free. Best for new builds or existing homes that are very well insulated and have low temperature heat distribution systems like underfloor heating. Higher initial investment, but maximum gas savings and complete independence from gas price uncertainty. The ISDE subsidy for fully electric heat pumps can range from approximately €1,950 to over €5,100, depending on the type and performance.
Financial viability: Heat pumps are viable thanks to ISDE subsidies and lower energy costs from reduced gas usage. Good insulation (cavity wall, roof, floor, HR++ glass) is crucial for optimal results. Homes with underfloor heating are ideal.
Heat Pump + PV: A Golden Combination for Self-Consumption
Combining a heat pump and solar panels is powerful for maximizing self-consumption and tackling net-metering changes. The heat pump uses electricity, and if that comes directly from the solar panels, it boosts energy independence. Customers with high electricity use for heating can see significant savings and help stabilize the grid.
Subsidies for Heat Pump + PV: While there’s no single combined subsidy, you can typically apply for separate ISDE subsidies for the heat pump and benefit from the VAT refund for solar panels.
Solar heat: PVT and Solar Thermal
- PVT panels (Photovoltaic-Thermal): These innovative panels generate both electricity (PV) and heat (Thermal) from one unit. They optimize roof space and are more efficient than separate systems. The heat can power a special heat pump, often removing the need for an outdoor unit and reduces noise. Promising for compact roofs or when aesthetics and noise are concerns
- High-Temperature PVT as Zonneboiler: Some advanced PVT systems produce higher temperatures, acting as a solar thermal system (Zonneboiler) for domestic hot water. These high-temperature PVT systems may qualify for an ISDE subsidy, similar to dedicated solar thermal systems, due to their significant contribution to gas reduction for hot water.
- Solar thermal systems (Zonneboilers): These convert sunlight into hot water. They are great when there’s significant hot water demand. While not generating electricity, they greatly reduce gas consumption for hot water.
- ISDE Subsidy for Solar Thermal Systems: Based on collector surface area, typically around €650 per square meter, up to approximately €2,400 for larger systems.
Batteries: A Smart Investment for the Future?
Home batteries store surplus solar energy for later, boosting self-consumption (from 30%-40% to 60-80%). This is especially relevant with net-metering changes post-2027. Stored daytime energy can be used at night, reducing expensive grid reliance.
Financial Viability and Subsidies: The payback for home batteries is currently longer as they are currently expensive and no subsidies in the Netherlands. However, as regulations change, profitability will increase. While a “virtual battery grid” is a future consideration, physical storage is becoming more vital. For customers with dynamic energy contracts, batteries are already beneficial for charging during cheap hours and discharge during peak times.
Optimal Combinations: Ease of Installation, Costs, and Sustainability
The most sustainable and efficient household solution often involves a combination of technologies.
- Solar Panels + Hybrid Heat Pump: Common, accessible, and a great start for many existing homes. Low entry costs, significant gas savings from reduced heating demand and current gas prices and increased self-consumption. Easy to install and eligible for separate ISDE subsidy (heat pump) and VAT refund (solar PV).
- Solar Panels + Fully Electric Heat Pump: For well-insulated homes with low temperature heat distribution. This is the move to a completely gas-free home. Higher initial cost but maximized gas savings. Eligible for separate ISDE subsidy (heat pump) and VAT refund (solar PV).
- Solar Panels + Heat Pump + Home Battery: The ultimate for maximum independence and self-consumption, especially post-2027. Higher investment, and no direct national battery subsidies currently, but offers ultimate control over energy bills and aids grid stability. Eligible for separate ISDE subsidy (heat pump) and VAT refund (solar PV).
- PVT panels + Heat Pump: Smart for compact roofs or where aesthetics and quiet operation are key. Space-efficient and can eliminate the need for an outdoor heat pump unit. Installation can be more complex, requiring specific expertise. Eligible for ISDE subsidy for the heat pump and VAT refund for the PV part of PVT. High-temperature PVT systems acting as a solar boiler could receive ISDE subsidy for solar thermal.
- Solar Panels + Solar Thermal System: Good for households with significant hot water demand, alongside the need for electricity generation. A proven technology reducing gas use. Eligible for ISDE subsidy for the solar thermal system and VAT refund for solar panels.
As an installer, you’re key to guiding homeowners towards the best sustainable energy solution. By considering their needs, home condition, gas prices, and subsidies, you can recommend the perfect combination. The future is sustainable, and you’re the guide!
Support for Installers: Design Smarter with Makt Tech Software Tool
To support installers in delivering optimal solutions, Makt Tech has developed a smart design tool. This software helps you determine the best configuration of solar PV, heat pumps, batteries, EVs, or any combination, tailored to a household’s electricity, heating, cooling, and hot water needs.