The payback period of a home battery strongly depends on various factors such as the amount of your investment, your energy savings, the phase-out of net metering, and changing electricity rates. As net metering is gradually phased out starting from 2025, many households are looking for ways to make the most of self-generated energy. A home battery provides a solution by storing excess energy so you can use it later. But when is this investment recouped? In this blog, you'll discover exactly which aspects affect the payback period, how you can take control of it, and what concrete actions you can take to maximize your savings. We'll explain why some households benefit faster than others, how dynamic electricity rates can help, and what the ideal capacity for your situation is. In short: we give you all the tools to invest smartly and sustainably in energy storage.

Investment costs: how much do you pay for your home battery?

The initial investment is a crucial factor that strongly determines the payback period. In 2025, the average home battery costs between €3,500 and €10,000, depending on capacity, brand, and additional installation costs. These price differences arise due to quality differences in battery cells, warranty period, and possible smart integration with solar panels and energy systems at home. If you choose a well-known brand like Tesla or LG, you usually pay a bit more, but you often also have more assurance about quality, reliability, and warranties. A lower purchase price does not always mean you will recoup faster because cheaper batteries sometimes have a shorter lifespan or lower efficiency, meaning you benefit less from your investment in the long term. Therefore, it is wise to mainly look at the expected lifespan, the warranty conditions, and any maintenance costs when purchasing. You want to prevent having to invest again within a few years.

Savings on your energy bill: what does a home battery yield for you?

The main reason for purchasing a home battery is obviously saving on your energy costs. With a home battery, you store electricity generated by solar panels during the day, so you need to buy less electricity when prices are higher. Especially with the introduction of dynamic electricity rates, where the electricity price can change per hour, you use your home battery optimally. You charge when electricity is cheap, for example in the middle of the day when there is an abundance of green electricity, and use it when prices are higher. This way, you save money directly. On average, a household can save between €300 and €800 annually, depending on the size of your battery and your energy consumption pattern. Your savings increase as the difference between peak and off-peak prices becomes greater. Therefore, your battery becomes a powerful tool to structurally reduce your energy costs. Note that the higher your saving, the shorter your payback period becomes, making it important to manage your energy consumption smartly.

The effect of phasing out net metering on your payback period

Starting from 2025, the net metering scheme will be phased out step by step, meaning you will receive less for the electricity you supply back to the grid. This has direct consequences for your payback period. Without net metering, you only receive a low compensation per kWh, making it financially more attractive to store and consume as much of your own energy as possible. This makes investing in a home battery extra interesting. The less you can use net metering, the more value you get from self-consumption. This way, households with solar panels recoup their home battery faster. By smartly using energy storage, you reduce the loss due to the phase-out of net metering and increase your independence from energy suppliers. Households without a battery see their advantage from solar panels decrease, while you, through the combination with a battery, maximize the use of your panels. This significantly strengthens the financial benefit of investing in a home battery and shortens the payback period.

Dynamic electricity rates: quicker payback with flexible charging

A home battery is especially profitable if you use dynamic electricity rates. With these contracts, the electricity price changes per hour based on supply and demand. When there is a lot of supply, for example with a lot of solar or wind, the price drops significantly. Your battery can then charge cheaply and store electricity for use during peak moments when rates are highest. This price difference can save you hundreds of euros per year, making your investment recoup faster. The extent of your benefit depends on how well your battery can respond to these price fluctuations. Smart systems, combined with apps that automatically charge when prices are low, maximize your profit. This way, you optimally benefit from energy storage and get the maximum return on your investment. Especially in 2025, with increasing fluctuations in energy rates, dynamic charging offers a clear financial opportunity to recoup your home battery faster.

How do you determine the ideal capacity of your home battery?

The capacity of your home battery directly determines your savings and thus your payback period. A battery that is too small does not sufficiently exploit the advantages of storage, while a too large battery leads to a higher investment and longer payback period. On average, households need a capacity between 5 and 10 kWh, but this strongly depends on your consumption profile. Factors to consider include:

• The amount of solar energy generated per day

• Your daily electricity consumption, especially in the evening

• Your energy supplier's rates and contract form

By having a clear understanding of these points in advance, you can easily determine which capacity is optimal for your situation. If in doubt, you can seek advice from experts or opt for a modular system that you can expand later. This way, you prevent over-investment and ensure that your battery precisely meets your energy needs.

Why invest in a home battery in 2025?

Due to the phase-out of net metering and increasingly strong fluctuations in energy rates, 2025 is the year to purchase a home battery. The financial benefits are greater than ever, and the payback period is becoming increasingly attractive. A home battery gives you direct control over your energy costs and significantly reduces your dependence on the grid. Moreover, this investment perfectly fits within sustainability goals, as you contribute to a more stable energy market and lower CO₂ emissions. With a home battery, you also make your home more attractive for possible sale, as future residents also benefit from lower energy costs and independence from fluctuating energy prices.

Frequently asked questions about home batteriesHow long does it take on average to recoup a home battery?
On average between 7 and 12 years.Does the phase-out of net metering shorten the payback period?
Yes, the less you can net meter, the faster your battery becomes profitable.Is a home battery still profitable without solar panels?
Yes, especially with dynamic electricity rates, this can be attractive.What is a good capacity for an average family?
Between 5 and 10 kWh usually suffices.Do I have maintenance costs with a home battery?
Usually upon purchase, but with rental contracts, this is often included.