Are you unsure about buying or renting a home battery? You're not alone. Many homeowners see the benefits of energy storage, but making a choice between ownership and subscription can seem complicated. Purchasing a home battery requires a substantial one-time investment, but it gives you full control and ownership afterward. Renting or leasing, on the other hand, gives you flexibility and lower initial costs, which is attractive if you don't have a large amount immediately available. Both options have their own pros and cons that depend on your specific situation, energy consumption, and financial possibilities. Consider factors such as the duration of a rental contract, maintenance costs, the possibility to upgrade to newer technology, and long-term savings on your energy bill. But which option truly suits you? In this blog, we clearly outline all the differences and help you make the best choice.

What are the purchase and rental costs of a home battery?

If you buy a home battery, purchase costs range between €3,500 and €10,000, depending on brand, capacity, and installation costs. You pay this amount all at once, after which the battery becomes your property. After the purchase, you immediately benefit from lower energy costs, especially when you combine the battery with solar panels or dynamic energy rates. In contrast, when you rent a battery, you pay a monthly fee that averages between €30 and €100. This rental price often includes maintenance, and you can sometimes upgrade more easily to newer or larger batteries. Although renting seems financially appealing due to the lack of a large investment, keep in mind that after several years, you may end up paying more than with direct purchase. You also haven't built up any ownership. When buying, you can often benefit from the increase in value of your home, whereas this advantage is absent with renting. However, renting provides flexibility to adapt, for example, after a short period or when transitioning to newer technologies.

Flexibility in buying versus renting

When flexibility plays an important role in your decision, renting offers clear advantages. Renting a home battery usually involves short-term agreements, and you can relatively easily switch to another system or contract. This can be ideal if you expect to move soon or are unsure about the ideal capacity for your energy needs. The flexibility is lower when you purchase a battery. You own the battery, and any changes, expansions, or upgrades come with additional cost and effort. However, ownership also means freedom. You are not bound by the terms of a landlord and can use and manage the battery as you see fit. Furthermore, the purchase can be financially more attractive in the long term because after recovering the investment, you can use stored energy for free. If you choose to rent, pay close attention to the flexibility within your rental contract to avoid unexpected costs when switching or terminating.

Ownership versus subscription: what suits your situation?

Owning a home battery brings peace and certainty: you have full control and directly benefit from every saving you make. After recouping the purchase price, you generate pure profit. However, ownership requires a substantial initial investment, and you are responsible for maintenance and any repairs after the warranty period. In a rental or subscription model, you pay a fixed monthly amount that often includes maintenance, updates, and warranty. This way, you know exactly what to expect and take less risk with potential malfunctions or defects. This makes renting interesting if you have limited financial resources or if you're uncertain about future technology developments. Renting can also be more practical for starters or people with variable living conditions. However, realize that you never become the owner and thus do not directly benefit from any increase in the value of your property. Therefore, carefully weigh how long you'll stay at the same location and what your financial goals are.

How big should your home battery be?

Whether you choose to buy or rent, the size of your home battery determines how effectively you can lower your energy costs. A battery that is too small won't store enough energy for when you need it, while a battery that is too large is often unnecessarily expensive and recovers its cost more slowly. On average, a capacity of 5 to 10 kWh is sufficient for an average household. If you have solar panels and generate a lot of electricity, you’re better off choosing a larger capacity to optimally capture peak moments. Without solar panels, for example in combination with dynamic electricity rates, a smaller battery may be sufficient to save significantly. Calculate your consumption and see how it spreads over the day. Then estimate how much electricity you would like to store. If in doubt, it may be useful to rent first so that you can easily adjust. Want to know more about the right capacity? Read further about the ideal capacity of a home battery.

The relevance of a home battery in sustainability

In times when sustainability is becoming increasingly important, a home battery can make a significant contribution to a more sustainable living environment. By choosing home energy storage, you directly reduce the pressure on the power grid, which helps prevent energy peaks. This contributes to the stability and efficiency of the Dutch energy network. A home battery ensures that you use as much of your own generated energy as possible, which helps reduce CO₂ emissions because fewer fossil fuels are needed to meet the energy demand. This makes energy storage extra relevant if you are looking for ways to reduce your ecological footprint. You also prepare yourself for future developments, such as the phasing out of the net metering scheme. This makes you less dependent on changes in energy rates and government policies, and ensures you can responsibly manage your energy costs.

Frequently asked questions about home batteriesHow long does it take to recover the cost of a home battery?
On average between 7 and 12 years, depending on your energy consumption and type of battery.Can I switch from renting to buying?
Often yes, but this depends on your landlord. Ask about the terms in advance.Is maintenance included in the rent?
Yes, maintenance and warranty are usually included in the monthly rental price.Does renting have tax benefits?
No, tax benefits usually only apply to purchases as an investment, not to rentals.Are there hidden costs with renting?
Usually not, but carefully check your contract for any additional costs such as installation or contract termination.Can I install a home battery myself?
No, home battery installation must always be done by a certified installer due to safety requirements.Are home batteries suitable for every home?
In principle yes, as long as there is sufficient space and the electrical installation is suitable.Are there subsidies for renting home batteries?
National subsidies are currently missing, but some municipalities do offer local arrangements.Can home batteries be expanded?
Some systems are expandable; check this with your supplier beforehand.Which apps are suitable for managing home batteries?
Popular apps include Tesla, Enphase, and SolarEdge, depending on the brand and type of battery.