Solar panels gain popularity again after Dutch first chamber's statement

August 27, 2024

Technicians installing solar panels are getting busier again, according to NOS. After a drop in demand, it rebounded strongly last month due to the political debate over the netting scheme (salderen), which the First Chamber of Parliament is temporarily continuing.

This was shown by a visit to dozens of installation companies by the Dutch Technical Association (Techniek Nederland).

For years, the solar industry in the Netherlands has grown rapidly. Last year, the number of households with solar panels increased from 2 million to 2.6 million. But installers told the NOS TV news program Nieuwsuur in October that there had been major setbacks, with some companies seeing a 30% drop in applications.

The reason for homeowners' caution is the decision by politicians to abolish attractive netting schemes from 2025. Although environmental groups such as Milieu Centraal calculated that households with solar panels would pay for themselves within six years, the decision has aroused skepticism and opposition.

The Dutch Technical Association explains the fact that demand is increasing again as a political choice. Last month, the First Chamber of the Netherlands halted the abolition of the scheme. “After the First Chamber’s decision to continue the netting scheme, solar panel installers have seen an increase in applications,” the industry body concluded.

Yasin Kilic of Niyata, an installer in Utrecht, noted that people’s “confidence is back”. Before the summer holidays, he saw a sudden drop in demand. “People were keeping their eyes on their wallets because of the lack of policy clarity. Now that there is clarity, the wait is over.”

For now. The low price of solar panels also helps. “We can offer panels for each house for thousands of euros less than at the peak of prices,” Kilic said.

Panels are relatively expensive due to high demand during and after the coronavirus crisis, as well as delivery problems and staff shortages. “Now that demand has fallen in recent months, wholesalers have a lot of stock, so prices are lower.”

This has attracted new customers. “Last month was much busier, but we haven’t reached the levels before last summer, and maybe that’s a good thing. It was very busy then,” Kilic said.

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Ms. Rina Huang

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