Installing solar panels will still be advantageous even after the abolition of the rollback meter. The Constitutional Court ruled on Jan. 14, 2021, to abolish the roll-back meter for all solar panel owners. Specifically, this means that consumers are no longer entitled to compensation (benefit). However, the Flemish government announced on Jan. 15 that solar panel owners will be compensated for this. This is done by means of a one-time payment and this support promises a return of 5%. But what exactly will change for you?
Solar panels still offer adequate returns
Whether you already own solar panels or would like to have them installed, you will also enjoy benefits under the new scheme. The way depends on your situation and the meter you have. If you already own a digital meter, you will have to deal with the new tariff structure from March 1, 2021. Are you still in possession of an analog meter? Then you will pay a prosumer rate. That tariff is calculated based on the capacity of your inverter.
Do you plan to have solar panels installed soon? Then you don't have to worry about this transitional arrangement. You will not be able to make use of the reversing meter. However, you can claim an attractive premium. If you have solar panels installed between January 1, 2021 and December 31, 2025, you are eligible for a one-time subsidy. The allowance is calculated based on the kilowatt peaks. The more powerful the installation, the higher the subsidy you receive. The maximum allowance rises to €1,500 and is adjusted downward each year.
Why solar panels remain a smart investment
First and foremost, because you are claiming a one-time fee, but there is more benefit to be gained after abolishing the rollback counter. And here's why:
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Energy bill: With the new scheme, you only pay for the electricity you draw from the grid. That means more oversight in your energy consumption, especially if you scale up self-consumption. Then you might take advantage of more benefits than you already did, such as the benefits of a home battery installation. There are also subsidies for home batteries.
- kWh fee: You qualify for an injection fee. More and more energy suppliers are offering their customers a fee for electricity generated by solar panels. So you can start selling your own generated energy.
- One-time subsidy: if you have solar panels installed between January 1, 2021 and December 31, 2025, you are entitled to a one-time subsidy. This allowance ranges from €1,500 to €375 and is adjusted annually. The sooner you have the panels installed, the more you benefit financially. That makes solar panels still interesting in 2021. Even with the new scheme.
Finally, your installation will pay for itself in about 7-9 years depending on your situation. You can expect a quality solar panel installation to last more than 30 years. More info? Feel free to ask for our brochure or make an appointment with one of our specialists.
