Net Metering 2027: What Does the End Mean for Your Solar Panels?
The net metering scheme is gradually disappearing. Discover what this means for your energy bill and what options you have to minimize the impact.
What is Net Metering?
Net metering is a subsidy scheme where the electricity you feed back to the grid is offset against the electricity you consume. In practice, this means your electricity meter 'runs backwards' when your solar panels generate more than you use. On your energy bill, you only pay for net consumption (consumption minus feed-in).
Example of a typical household
- •You have 10 solar panels of 400 Wp (4,000 Wp total)
- •You consume 3,500 kWh per year
- •Your panels produce 3,200 kWh per year
- •Result: You only pay for 300 kWh (3,500 - 3,200 = 300 kWh net consumption)
Net metering was introduced in 2004 to encourage individuals to install solar panels. Now that more than 2 million households have solar panels, the scheme is being phased out because the subsidy is no longer needed and the scheme burdens the electricity grid.
Net Metering Ends in 2027
Net metering will stop completely on January 1, 2027. Until then, you can still fully net meter:
Full net metering possible (100%)
Last year of full net metering (100%)
Net metering stops completely (0%) - no gradual phase-out
ℹ️ Note: This policy changed in 2024. A previously planned gradual phase-out from 2025-2031 was replaced by an immediate stop on January 1, 2027.
Source: Rijksoverheid.nl (updated September 2024)
Impact on Your Wallet
What does this mean concretely for your energy bill? Let's look at an average household with 10 solar panels:
✓Before 2027 (with net metering)
- Consumption: 3,500 kWh - Production: 3,200 kWh
- Net consumption: 300 kWh
- Variable costs: 300 kWh × €0.30 = €90
- Fixed costs (standing charge + transport): ~€450
⚠After 2027 (without net metering)
- Import from grid: 2,380 kWh × €0.30 = €714
- Feed-in revenue: 2,080 kWh × €0.05 = €104
- Fixed costs: ~€450
- Total: €714 - €104 + €450
Why is the feed-in tariff so low?
The feed-in tariff ranges between €0.05 and €0.07 per kWh GROSS, while you pay €0.25-0.35 for electricity from the grid. This large difference is due to:
- •Transport costs and taxes are not reimbursed for feed-in
- •Many households feed back simultaneously (sunny afternoons), reducing the value
- •Energy companies have no obligation to pay high prices for fed-back electricity
Your Options
Fortunately, you're not powerless. There are various strategies to minimize the impact of the end of net metering:
1. Increase Self-Consumption
By using more electricity when your panels are producing (during the day), you need to feed back less at the low tariff.
- ✓Run washing machine, dryer and dishwasher during the day
- ✓Charge electric car or e-bike between 11:00-15:00
- ✓Use a timer for energy-consuming appliances
2. Dynamic Energy Contract
With a dynamic contract, you pay a different price every hour, based on the actual market price. This can be advantageous for solar panel owners.
- ✓Buy electricity cheap (often at night or when windy)
- ✓Feed back during peak moments (higher compensation)
- ✓Average savings of €200-400 per year possible
3. Home Battery
A home battery stores excess solar energy for use in the evening and night.
- ✓Storage capacity of 5-15 kWh for evening use
- ⚠High purchase costs (€4,000-8,000)
- ⚠Payback period often 12-20 years
4. Do Nothing
Even without action, solar panels remain profitable. The payback period becomes longer, but you still save significantly on your energy bill compared to having no solar panels.
Solar panels remain a good investment, even after 2027.
Calculate Your Situation
Discover within 2 minutes what the phase-out of net metering means for your specific situation. Our calculator shows all scenarios and provides personalized advice.
Start Free Calculation →