Energy storage, using energy wisely.

With the phase-out of the net metering scheme in January 2027, the structure of your energy bill will change significantly. The net metering scheme for solar panels will be discontinued as of January 1, 2027. This means that, starting on that date, owners of solar power systems will no longer be able to offset the electricity they feed back into the grid against their consumption.

What will happen starting in 2027?

• Net metering is no longer available: Electricity fed back into the grid will no longer be offset against electricity consumption.
• Energy suppliers must pay a reasonable feed-in tariff that amounts to at least 50% of the base supply rate (until 2030).
• Using self-generated electricity immediately is becoming more important for maintaining financial benefits.

Home Battery Energy Storage

For an average family of three, a 5 kWh home battery may be sufficient, depending on energy consumption and the specific circumstances.

On average, a three-person household consumes between 3,000 and 4,000 kWh per year, which amounts to approximately 8 to 11 kWh per day. A 5 kWh home battery can cover part of this daily consumption, especially during the evening hours when the solar panels are not generating energy.

A home battery is primarily designed to increase the amount of solar energy you use yourself; it is not intended to cover your entire energy consumption or to smooth out peaks in your energy usage, a process also known as peak shaving. This is particularly welcome news given the future phase-out of the net metering program.

Actual suitability depends on factors such as daily energy consumption, the capacity of the solar panel system, and the family’s energy usage patterns.

There are many solutions, including:

• AC-connected home batteries that you can simply connect to a separate circuit.
• Home battery systems that you can connect to a hybrid inverter in combination with your solar panels.
• A home battery connected to an AC inverter when there are no solar panels on the house.

Some examples of home battery systems with a capacity of approximately 5 kWh include:

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

We always work with residents to assess their needs and circumstances. Do you already have a solar panel system? Or do you have specific requirements? If so, we’ll tailor our proposal accordingly. This ensures we find the best solution for you, with maximum efficiency and ease of use.

Energy storage with a smart boiler

Smart-Boiler: A Smart Solution for an Existing Gas Boiler

With the phase-out of the net metering scheme and ever-decreasing feed-in tariffs for solar energy, many homeowners are looking for ways to use the electricity they generate more efficiently. Furthermore, a completely gas-free home is not always feasible for various reasons.

A smart solution is to use a smart boiler alongside an existing gas boiler. This can help reduce gas consumption and also allow you to use more of the solar power you generate yourself in your home, rather than feeding it back into the grid.

How does a smart boiler work?

A smart water heater is an electric water heater that is controlled using smart technology. When combined with solar panels, the water heater can be set to heat up when there is a surplus of solar power. This allows the water heater to function as an energy storage device, reducing the amount of electricity fed back into the grid.

Advantages of a smart boiler in addition to a gas boiler

Lower gas consumption: The water heater can meet a large portion of the hot water demand, which means the gas boiler doesn’t have to work as hard or turn on as often. This saves gas and reduces CO₂ emissions.

Optimal use of solar power: The smart control system ensures that the water heater operates primarily when there is a surplus of solar energy.

Lower energy costs: Since less gas is needed and less electricity is fed back into the grid at a low rate, your monthly costs will decrease.

Longer lifespan of the gas boiler: Since the boiler doesn't have to turn on as often to provide hot water, this can extend the appliance's lifespan.

Is a smart boiler a worthwhile investment?

The cost of a smart boiler varies, but is typically between €900 and €1,700, depending on its capacity and features. Depending on the household and energy prices, the savings on gas consumption can amount to €150 to €300 per year. This means your investment can pay for itself within a few years, especially if the net metering scheme is further phased out.

Conclusion

Installing a smart boiler alongside an existing gas boiler is a smart and relatively simple way to make better use of your own solar energy and reduce your gas consumption. This not only helps lower energy costs, but also makes your home more sustainable and less dependent on fluctuating energy prices. With the phase-out of the net metering program, a solution like this is becoming increasingly attractive.

You can find more information about the solutions mentioned in the links below;