Net export: different energy providers use very different tariffs
Most people with solar panels consume more electricity over the course of a year than their solar panels produce. However, for a small group, their installation is slightly oversized compared to their usage (or conversely, their consumption is modest relative to the size of the system). For them, the annual energy bill from their supplier may show some surplus production. As a result, they receive a net payment from the energy supplier. Recently, there’s been some debate about the amount per kWh they can expect for this surplus.
In 2022, the Dutch Consumers' Association conducted research into feed-in tariffs in the Netherlands and found that some energy providers were paying a very low rate for net feed-in. There are no fixed rules on how high this rate should be, but the ‘reasonable compensation’ often referenced in proposals to phase out net metering is generally used as a guideline. This compensation should be at least 70 to 80% of the basic electricity rate. However, many suppliers pay much less—sometimes even under 15% of their basic rate.
Until recently, this wasn’t a major concern, since the base electricity price was only a few cents per kWh. But with the massive price increases this year, the differences have grown significantly. For example, a customer with EnergieDirect receives just 4.6 cents per kWh, while a customer with Engie receives as much as 55.5 cents per kWh!
Should you switch providers?
Note: these price differences are only relevant if you produce more electricity than you consume. For the vast majority of Zonnefabriek customers, this isn’t the case—we generally advise against installing more panels than needed. Therefore, only customers with net feed-in may benefit from switching providers.
Another potential solution for such customers is to try and shift their energy usage: with a few changes, they might reduce gas usage and increase electricity consumption. After all, gas has also become extremely expensive, while net-metered electricity is effectively free. Instead of boiling water on the stove, for instance, they could use an electric kettle. Maybe the gas stove is due for replacement anyway: an induction cooktop could be a logical investment.
Larger and larger systems
Incidentally, we’re seeing more customers opt for relatively large solar panel systems, even if their current electricity usage is still low. This makes sense: despite recent price increases, solar panels remain inexpensive. The cost of solar electricity is therefore significantly lower than electricity from the grid—especially lately. Additionally, households are expected to need more electricity in the coming years for things like EV chargers and heat pumps. So even if it's temporary, we may see a rise in ‘net exporters’ in the Netherlands. And in that case, it’s smart to be aware of what’s available on the market!
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