Solar panel battery subsidy what are the options
More and more companies and individuals are investing in solar panels to generate their own renewable energy. But not all generated solar power is used immediately. With a solar panel battery you can store this surplus and use it later. This increases self consumption and reduces dependence on the electricity grid. The question that often follows is whether there is a subsidy for a solar panel battery.
In this blog you will read everything about current schemes, business and private opportunities and how you can prepare smartly for the future.
Why add a battery to solar panels
A solar panel battery also called a home battery or energy storage system temporarily stores excess solar energy. This energy can later be used, for example in the evening or during peak hours.
Benefits of battery storage:
- Higher self consumption less feed in and more own use.
- Lower energy bill use electricity when tariffs are high.
- Less grid load helping to reduce grid congestion.
- Prepared for the phase out of net metering from 2025 feed in becomes less attractive.
Do you want to know more about the business possibilities of battery storage Read our blog about the solar panel battery as smart storage for business energy use
Solar panel battery subsidy for households
For individuals there is currently no national subsidy for the purchase of a home battery on its own. Yet there are options:
- Combination with heat pump or solar panels sometimes investments in a complete energy system panels plus battery plus heat pump are eligible for the ISDE subsidy (Investment subsidy for renewable energy and energy saving).
- Local or provincial schemes municipalities or provinces occasionally offer subsidies or loans for energy storage. It is worth investigating this locally.
- VAT refund for solar panels when you buy solar panels and a battery you benefit indirectly because the VAT on solar panels can often be reclaimed.
Subsidy and tax benefits for companies
For companies there are more structural schemes that make battery storage financially attractive. Examples include:
- Energy investment allowance EIA with this scheme companies can deduct up to 45.5 percent of investment costs for energy storage from taxable profit.
- MIA Vamil contribution for investments in environmentally friendly technologies which sometimes includes energy storage.
- SDE++ (Stimulation of sustainable energy production) mainly aimed at large scale generation and CO₂ reduction. Less directly relevant for storage but important in integrated projects.
A solar panel battery can therefore be an interesting investment especially as part of a larger sustainability project.
Future of subsidies for battery storage
It is expected that the government will focus more on energy storage in the coming years. Reasons include:
- Grid congestion the electricity grid is becoming overloaded making local storage necessary.
- Phase out of net metering from 2025 feed in becomes less attractive and the value of own storage increases.
- Sustainability goals battery storage helps to further reduce CO₂ emissions.
In Germany and Belgium there are already structural subsidies for home batteries. The Netherlands is looking at these examples so the chance of new schemes is increasing.
Practical how to apply for subsidy
For business schemes such as the EIA or MIA Vamil you must apply via RVO Netherlands Enterprise Agency. The conditions include:
- The system must be listed on the energy list.
- You must apply within three months after purchase.
- For projects above a certain size a notification requirement often applies.
For individuals the ISDE application can be made via RVO when you combine a battery with a heat pump or solar boiler.
Solar panel batteries and smart energy management
A battery delivers the most value when connected to smart software or an energy management system EMS. With this you can:
- Automatically charge during peak solar production.
- Discharge during expensive hours or high demand.
- Gain insight into the return and performance of the battery.
- Generate reports for audits or subsidy schemes.
Do you want to know more about how an EMS works with batteries Read our blog about the energy management system in combination with a home battery.
Conclusion subsidy as an extra incentive
A solar panel battery is a smart investment to use energy more efficiently and sustainably. For households subsidies are limited but local schemes may provide opportunities. For companies there are clear tax benefits through EIA and MIA Vamil. The expectation is that more structural subsidies will be introduced in the coming years due to grid pressure and the phase out of net metering.
Do you want to know more about tax schemes
Read our blog about the Energy investment allowance EIA.
Frequently asked questions about solar panel battery subsidy
Is there a subsidy for a home battery in the Netherlands?
Not nationally but sometimes through local schemes or as part of the ISDE in combination with other installations.
Can companies receive subsidies for battery storage?
Yes through tax schemes such as EIA and MIA Vamil.
Does the phase out of net metering have an impact?
Yes it makes battery storage more financially attractive even without subsidy.
Are there European subsidies for batteries?
In some countries yes. The Netherlands is following these developments and may introduce similar schemes in the future.
Is a battery profitable without subsidy?
Yes especially for companies or households with many solar panels. Subsidy can significantly shorten the payback period.