Maria Prepared for the End of the Netting Scheme

Maria: retired and forward-thinking

Maria (67) lives alone in a neat terraced house in Hoensbroek, South Limburg. Since her retirement, she pays extra attention to her expenses, but she doesn't want to cut corners on comfort. In 2021 she had 10 solar panels installed. "I recouped that investment within 4 years," she says proudly.

But when Maria read in the news that the netting scheme will stop completely as of January 1, 2027, she became concerned. "I generate more than I consume. Soon I will receive almost nothing for the electricity I supply back. That felt like throwing money away."

Why Maria didn't want to wait

Some neighbors advised Maria to wait. “Maybe batteries will become even cheaper,” they said. But Maria thought differently.

"Every month I wait, I lose savings. And if everyone waits until 2027 and wants a battery at the same time, prices might actually be higher and delivery times longer. I just wanted to be there early."

The choice: entry-level model for €649

After a telephone conversation with Patrick from HES, Maria knew which model suited her: the Anker SOLIX Solarbank 2 E1600 — the entry-level model with 1.6 kWh capacity, for only €649.

For Maria, the Solarbank 2 E1600 was the perfect choice. She lives alone, has a modest consumption (approximately 2,400 kWh per year) and did not want a large, expensive system. The benefits that were decisive for her:

"Patrick took the time to explain everything calmly. He sent me a video of how the installation works and called after delivery to check whether everything went well. I really appreciated that."

The result: 75% self-consumption and €280 savings

After three months of use, the results are clear. Maria's self-consumption increased from 45% to 75%. With her modest consumption pattern — at home during the day, going to bed early — the 1.6 kWh battery suits her situation well.

The saving of €280 per year seems modest compared to larger systems, but the payback period of only 2.3 years is actually shorter. "After two years it will be earned back. After that, I will save for 15+ years. And if the electricity price rises, I will save even more," Maria calculates.

Perfect for seniors: plug & play, no hassle

Maria emphasizes that the entry-level model is ideal for retirees and singles. "Not everyone has a large family with high consumption. With my 10 panels and this small battery, I have exactly what I need. And if I ever want to expand, I can."

• Plug & play: no electrician required, install yourself
• Affordable: €649 is a manageable investment
• Compact: fits easily next to the meter cupboard
• Expandable: Add additional capacity later if necessary

Her advice to peers? "Don't be put off by the technology. The Solarbank is literally plug-in and ready. My 14-year-old grandson connected it for me in half an hour. And the app is also easy to understand."

“"Patrick took the time to explain everything calmly. At other web shops I felt like a number, here it felt personal."”

— Maria, Hoensbroek