The netting scheme is a program that allows households that generate solar energy the opportunity to supply the energy they do not use back to the grid and receive compensation for it. In this article, we delve deeper into the netting scheme and explain how it works, what the benefits are, and how to apply for the scheme.
Table of Contents
What is the netting scheme?
How does the netting scheme work?
The benefits of the netting scheme
Who is the netting scheme intended for?
The application for the netting scheme
The future of the netting scheme
Is the netting scheme still interesting?
The alternatives to the netting scheme
The impact of the netting scheme on the energy market
The role of the government in the netting scheme
What are the costs of solar panels?
How much do I save with solar panels?
How many solar panels do I need?
What are the best brands of solar panels?
How do I maintain my solar panels?
1. What is the netting scheme?
The netting scheme is a program whereby households that generate solar energy can supply back the energy they do not use to the grid. The surplus generated solar energy is offset against the energy consumed, so households only pay for the net energy consumed. If the generated energy exceeds consumption, the surplus energy is supplied back to the grid, and households receive compensation for it.
2. How does the netting scheme work?
In the netting scheme, the energy generated by the solar panels is offset against the household's energy consumption. The energy provider accounts for the energy that is returned to the grid. If the generated energy exceeds consumption, households receive compensation for the surplus energy supplied back to the grid. The compensation amount depends on the energy provider and can vary.
3. The benefits of the netting scheme
A major benefit of the netting scheme is that households with solar panels are less dependent on their energy provider since they generate their own energy and only supply surplus energy back to the grid.
4. Who is the netting scheme intended for?
The netting scheme is intended for households that generate their own energy using solar panels. It does not matter if these are owner-occupied or rental homes. It is important to check if the solar panels meet government quality requirements. Additionally, homeowners' associations (HOAs) can also use the netting scheme.
5. The application for the netting scheme
The application for the netting scheme is done through the energy provider. It is important to have the appropriate meter, specifically a 'smart meter,' which records the energy consumed and the energy supplied back to the grid. The energy provider can apply the netting scheme based on these figures. Therefore, it is important to inform the energy provider about the presence of solar panels.
6. The future of the netting scheme
The netting scheme is currently still in place, but there are plans to phase it out. The idea is that households will use batteries more to store surplus energy for later use. This makes supplying back to the grid less interesting, and compensation for supplying back will likely decrease.
7. Is the netting scheme still interesting?
At present, the netting scheme is still interesting for households with solar panels. Through the scheme, they can save on energy bills and be less dependent on their energy provider. However, it is crucial to keep an eye on developments in battery storage, as this could influence the netting scheme in the future.
8. The alternatives to the netting scheme
Besides the netting scheme, there are other ways to save on energy costs and reduce environmental impact. For example, subsidies can be used to acquire solar panels. It is also possible to choose an energy contract with green power, where the energy is generated from sustainable sources.
9. The impact of the netting scheme on the energy market
The netting scheme influences the energy market because households are less dependent on energy providers and generate their own energy. As a result, household demand for energy decreases, which can lead to a reduction in energy prices. Additionally, it may increase demand for solar panels, which impacts the market for solar panels.
10. The role of the government in the netting scheme
The government plays an important role in the netting scheme by making it possible and setting the quality requirements for solar panels. Furthermore, there are different subsidies available for households investing in sustainable energy, such as solar panels. The government also plans to phase out the netting scheme and replace it with a feed-in subsidy.
11. What are the costs of solar panels?
The costs of solar panels depend on various factors, such as the number of panels needed and the quality of the panels. On average, a set of 10 solar panels costs between 4000 and 6000 euros. However, it is important to consider the payback period, as it is generally relatively short.
12. How much do I save with solar panels?
Solar panels can significantly reduce the energy bill. On average, a household with solar panels can save between 300 and 500 euros per year on the energy bill. The exact savings depend on several factors, such as the number of panels and energy consumption.
13. How many solar panels do I need?
The number of solar panels needed depends on the household's energy consumption and the available roof space. On average, a household requires between 10 and 15 panels to generate sufficient energy.
14. What are the best brands of solar panels?
There are many different brands of solar panels on the market, but some of the reliable brands include LG, SunPower, SolarWorld, and Canadian Solar. It's important to consider the quality and warranty of the panels before making a choice.
15. How do I maintain my solar panels?
To optimize the performance of solar panels, it's important to maintain them well. This includes cleaning the panels regularly and ensuring no shadow falls on them. It's also essential to check the cables and converter for damage.
Conclusion
The netting scheme is an interesting program for households investing in solar panels. Through the scheme, they can save on energy bills and be less dependent on their energy provider. However, it's important to keep an eye on developments in battery storage, as this can influence the netting scheme in the future. Additionally, there are other ways to save on energy costs and reduce environmental impact, such as subsidies.

Ole Diepstraten
Product & Energy Advisor
Contact Information
+31 85 888 4003
sustainable@chargeblock.nl