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

What does a home battery cost in terms of purchase and rental?

If you buy a home battery, the purchase costs vary between €3,500 and €10,000, depending on the brand, capacity, and installation costs. You pay this amount in one go, 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. Conversely, when renting a battery, you pay a monthly amount that averages between €30 and €100. Maintenance is often included in this rental price, and you can sometimes more easily upgrade to newer or larger batteries. Although renting seems financially attractive due to the lack of a large investment, you have to keep in mind that after a few years, you could end up paying more than with a direct purchase. Also, you have not built ownership. With a purchase, you can often benefit from the increase in the value of your home, while this advantage is absent with renting. However, renting offers flexibility, for example, to stop after a short period or switch to newer technologies.

Flexibility when buying versus renting

When flexibility is a key factor in your decision, renting offers clear advantages. By renting a home battery, you generally enter into short-term agreements and can relatively easily switch to another system or contract. This can be ideal if you expect to move soon or if you are not yet sure of the ideal capacity for your energy needs. With the purchase of a battery, this flexibility is lower. You own the battery, and any changes, expansions, or upgrades come with additional costs and efforts. However, ownership also means freedom. You are not bound by the terms of a landlord and can use and manage the battery entirely at your discretion. Furthermore, the purchase can be financially more attractive in the long term because you make free use of stored energy after recouping the investment. If you choose to rent, pay close attention to the flexibility within your rental contract to prevent unexpected costs during a switch or termination.

Ownership versus subscription: what suits your situation?

Ownership of a home battery brings peace and certainty: you have full control and directly benefit from every saving you realize. 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 in which maintenance, updates, and warranty are often included. This way, you know exactly what to expect and run less risk in case of malfunctions or defects. This makes renting attractive if you have limited financial resources or if you are uncertain about future technology developments. It can also be more practical for starters or people with variable living and housing conditions. However, be aware that you never become an owner and therefore do not directly benefit from any increase in the value of your home. Carefully consider how long you will stay in the same location and what your financial goals are.

How large should your home battery be?

Whether you choose to buy or rent, the size of your home battery determines how effectively you can reduce your energy costs. A battery that is too small does not store enough energy for the times you need it, while a battery that is too large is often unnecessarily expensive and takes longer to pay off. 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 power, it is better to choose a larger capacity to optimally handle peak moments. Without solar panels, for example in combination with dynamic electricity rates, a smaller battery may already be enough to save significantly. Calculate your consumption and see how it is distributed throughout the day. Then estimate how much power you would like to store at most. If in doubt, it might be useful to rent first so you can easily adjust. Want to know more about the right capacity? Then read further about the ideal capacity of a home battery.

The relevance of a home battery for 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 electricity grid, which helps prevent energy peaks. With this, you contribute to the stability and efficiency of the Dutch energy network. A home battery ensures you use as much of your own generated energy as possible, which helps reduce CO₂ emissions as 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. Additionally, you 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 that you can manage your energy costs responsibly.

Frequently asked questions about home batteriesHow long does it take to recoup a home battery?
On average, between 7 and 12 years, depending on your energy consumption and battery type.Can I switch from rental to purchase?
Often yes, but this depends on your landlord. Ask in advance about the conditions.Is maintenance included in the rental?
Yes, maintenance and warranty are usually included in the monthly rental amount.Does renting have tax advantages?
No, tax advantages usually only apply when purchasing as an investment, not when renting.Are there hidden costs with renting?
Usually not, but check your contract carefully for any additional costs such as installation or termination of the contract.Can I install a home battery myself?
No, home batteries must always be installed by a certified installer due to safety requirements.Are home batteries suitable for every home?
In principle, yes, as long as there is enough space and the electrical installation is suitable.Are there subsidies for renting home batteries?
National subsidies are still lacking, but some municipalities do offer local schemes.Can home batteries be expanded?
Some systems are expandable, check this well in advance with your supplier.Which apps are suitable for managing home batteries?
Popular apps are Tesla, Enphase, and SolarEdge, depending on the brand and type of battery.