Net Metering & Feed-in Tariffs: What Changes in 2027?

The net metering scheme is ending: what does this mean exactly?

For years, solar panel owners in the Netherlands could offset their exported electricity: the power you fed back into the grid counted equally against the power you drew from it. This made solar panels extra attractive, as every exported kWh was effectively worth the same as a consumed kWh.

That changes on 1 January 2027. From that date, the net metering scheme will end entirely. You will then only receive a feed-in tariff for exported power. That tariff is on average 50–70% lower than the rate you pay for power drawn from the grid.

How does the new feed-in tariff structure work?

From 2027 onwards, you will receive a market-rate compensation for exported solar power that varies by energy supplier. The expectation is that the average feed-in tariff will be:

Expected tariffs after 2027

Based on current market prices and energy company plans, the expected feed-in tariff will be €0.04 to €0.09 per kWh. Compared to the electricity rate of €0.25 to €0.35 per kWh, this means your exported power becomes 60–85% less valuable than before.

Impact per situation

The impact depends on how much you currently export and how you have structured your consumption. A household that annually exports 2,000 kWh stands to lose up to €400 per year in subsidy effect from the removal of net metering, without a home battery.

Financial impact: with and without a home battery

The calculation below shows the financial impact for an average solar panel owner with 10 panels (3.5 kWp):

What can you do now?

The smartest strategy is to act now, while you still benefit fully from the net metering scheme and the best subsidies are available:

Option 1: Invest in a home battery now

By installing a home battery before 2027, you kill two birds with one stone: you still benefit fully from net metering and you protect your investment for the period afterwards. The earlier you invest, the shorter the payback period — which currently averages 4–6 years when purchased before 2027.

Option 2: Shift your consumption

Without a home battery, you can also manually shift consumption to peak solar hours (10:00–15:00). This increases your self-consumption without additional investment, but is less effective than a battery and requires conscious behavioural changes. A timer on your washing machine and dishwasher helps.

Benefits of early adopters

Those who invest in a home battery before 2027 enjoy the following cumulative benefits:

• Maximum ISDE subsidy: the current subsidy budget is still available; oversubscription is possible as the deadline approaches
• 0% VAT benefit: still available for home batteries combined with solar panels
• Maximise the net metering period: every month of net metering until 2027 is worth more than exporting after 2027
• Lower installation costs: installers currently still have sufficient capacity; expect higher prices and longer waiting times as 2027 approaches

Conclusion: 2027 is a turning point

The abolition of the net metering scheme is the biggest change in the Dutch energy market for households in recent decades. Those who act now secure the best position: maximum subsidies, continued net metering benefits, and a home battery that protects the value of self-generated power after 2027.

Do not wait until 2026 or 2027 — by then installers will be overbooked and subsidies may be limited. Schedule a free consultation now and calculate your personal payback period.