In brief · Dutch regulation
Using your own solar power directly will become more important.
The Netherlands will end its solar net-metering scheme, known as the salderingsregeling, on 1 January 2027. Until the end of 2026, this scheme applies to households and small businesses with eligible small-consumer electricity connections. From 2027, electricity exported to the grid can no longer be offset annually against electricity imported under this scheme. Exported electricity can still receive compensation under the applicable rules and energy contract.
Does this change apply to every business?
No. The Dutch net-metering scheme is intended for small consumers. Businesses with larger electricity connections already have a different system for settling imported and exported electricity. First check whether your business is currently eligible for the scheme: both the electricity connection and your supply agreement are relevant.
The Dutch government confirms that the scheme ends on 1 January 2027 (Dutch).
What changes in the financial calculation?
The timing of solar generation and business electricity use becomes more important. The value of a kWh consumed directly on site is not necessarily equal to the compensation for a kWh exported to the grid. Actual rates, supply conditions, taxes and other charges depend on the applicable energy contract.
A calculation based only on annual solar generation and annual consumption is therefore not enough. A business operating mainly during daylight hours may use much of its own generation directly. One operating mainly in the evening may have a very different balance of self-consumption and export.
Four practical steps for Dutch business owners
- Analyse electricity demand. Compare measured consumption with solar generation per hour or quarter-hour, including differences between weekdays and weekends.
- Check your contract terms. Distinguish the electricity purchase rate, export compensation, possible export fees, energy tax and grid charges.
- Look for flexible loads. Smart EV charging, cooling, heating or production scheduling may raise direct solar self-consumption without adding storage.
- Only then compare battery scenarios. Storage may help when daytime surpluses align with later demand, but system losses and investment costs can reduce the benefit.
Will a battery be required or automatically profitable from 2027?
No. A battery is not mandatory and is not automatically an attractive investment. For some businesses, targeted energy management or a better-sized solar PV installation may provide more value than storage. In other situations, battery storage may help, for example when electricity demand remains high in the evening or when the battery also addresses a power peak.
A careful business case identifies which rules and tariffs apply on the date of the calculation. Contract terms and regulations can change, so current quotations and transparent assumptions are essential.
Frequently asked questions
Will compensation for exported solar electricity also end in 2027?
No. Ending net metering does not mean export receives no compensation. Rates and conditions depend on the rules in force and your electricity contract.
Are solar panels still worth considering on a commercial building?
They can be, especially where much of the generated electricity is used directly by the business. The business case should be recalculated using an actual generation and demand profile and contract conditions.
What should a business owner do first?
Confirm whether the connection qualifies as a small consumer under Dutch rules, then compare electricity demand and solar generation over the same time intervals. Only then decide whether changes to the installation, controls or storage should be evaluated.
Sources and context
This article concerns Dutch solar electricity and small-business connections. The rules were checked against the public Dutch government source below. A decision for your site still requires current meter data, supply contract terms and a site-specific calculation.