Energy storage, smart use of energy.

With the removal of the net-metering scheme as of January 2027, the structure of your energy bill is going to change significantly. The net-metering scheme for solar panels will be discontinued on January 1, 2027. This means that from that date owners of solar power systems will no longer be able to offset the electricity they supply back against their consumption.

What will happen from 2027?

• Netting is no longer possible: Power supplied back is no longer offset against power consumed.
• Energy suppliers must provide a reasonable feed-in fee, which is at least 50% of the bare delivery rate (until 2030).
• Using self-generated power directly becomes more important to maintain financial advantage.

Energy storage with home battery

For an average family of 3 people, a 5 kWh home battery can be enough, depending on energy consumption and the specific situation.

On average, a household of 3 people consumes between 3,000 and 4,000 kWh annually, which is about 8 to 11 kWh per day. A 5 kWh home battery can absorb some of this daily consumption, especially during evening hours when the solar panels are not producing energy.

A home battery mainly helps to increase the self-consumption of generated solar energy and is not intended to cover the entire energy consumption as well as smoothing out peaks in your energy consumption, also called peak-shaving. Especially with the future elimination of the balancing scheme, this is a fine thing.

The actual suitability depends on factors such as daily energy consumption, the capacity of the solar panel system and the family's consumption pattern.

There are many solutions including;

• AC-connected home batteries that you can just plug into a separate group.
• Home battery systems that you can pair with a hybrid inverter i.c.m. your solar panels.
• Home battery coupled to an AC inverter if there are no solar panels on the home.

Some examples of home battery systems with a capacity of about 5 kWh are;

• SunwayTech HV stackable battery system.
  A stackable system, expandable from 5-50kWh for use with a hybrid inverter (brand independent) or in combination with an AC inverter.
• Enphase iQ Battery 5p 5.0kWh
  Especially useful if you already have an existing Enphase solar system but this is not necessary.
• SolarEdge Home Battery 4.6kWh
  A SolarEdge hybrid inverter is required.
• Sessy Home Battery. A smart home battery with a capacity of 5 kWh, designed for both households with and without solar panels.

We always look at their needs and situation with the resident. Do you already have an existing PV installation? Or do you have specific wishes then we adapt our offer accordingly. This to achieve the best solution for you and for the highest efficiency and ease of use.

Energy storage with smart-boiler

Smart-Boiler as a smart solution to an existing gas boiler

With the phasing out of the net-metering scheme and ever-decreasing feed-in payments for solar power, many homeowners are looking for ways to use their generated power more efficiently. In addition, a completely gas-free home is not always possible for a variety of reasons.

A smart combination is to use a smart-boiler alongside an existing gas boiler. This can help to use less gas but also to use more of the self-generated solar power in the home instead of feeding it back to the grid.

How does a smart water heater work?

A smart water heater is an electric water heater that is controlled in a smart way. Combined with solar panels, the water heater can be set to heat up when there is a surplus of solar power. As a result, the water heater acts as an energy storage device, reducing the amount of power that is fed back into the grid.

Benefits of a smart-boiler in addition to a gas boiler

Reduced gas consumption: The boiler can take care of a large part of the hot water demand, so the gas boiler does not have to work as hard or turn on as often. This saves gas and reduces CO₂ emissions.

Optimal utilization of solar power: Smart control ensures that the water heater operates mainly at times when there is a surplus of solar energy.

Lower energy costs: Because less gas is needed and less electricity is returned for a low fee, your monthly costs decrease.

Longer life of gas boiler: Because the boiler does not have to turn on for hot water as often, this can extend the life of the appliance.

Is a smart water heater a profitable investment?

The cost of a smart water heater varies, but is typically between €900 and €1,700, depending on capacity and features. Depending on the household and energy prices, savings on gas consumption can be as much as €150 to €300 per year. This means that your investment can pay for itself within a few years, especially if the balancing scheme continues to be phased out.

Conclusion

A smart water heater alongside an existing gas boiler is a smart and relatively easy way to harness more of your own solar energy and reduce your gas consumption. This not only helps reduce energy costs, but also makes your home more sustainable and less dependent on fluctuating energy prices. With the phasing out of the balancing scheme, a solution like this is becoming increasingly interesting.

Learn more about the solutions mentioned in the links below;