In 2023, the National Heat Fund saw a remarkable increase in the financing of solar panel projects, with over 13,000 approved credits, doubling compared to the previous year. This trend is expected to continue in 2024, given growing demand. But what drives this question? And what are alternative financing options for solar panels in the Netherlands?
Why is interest in green financing for solar panels increasing?
It is clear that the number of green loans for solar panels is increasing: from around 7,000 in 2022 to 13,000 in 2023, with an average loan amount of €12,000.
This increase is mainly due to the fact that more people with a smaller budget want to make their homes more sustainable to save energy costs. "30% of homeowners cannot finance the sustainability of their home without a loan. We are increasingly focusing on this group," says Ernst-Jan Boers, chairman of the National Heat Fund.
A short explanation of the green financing
With the green funding of the National Heat Fund you can borrow money at low cost to make your home more sustainable, such as insulation, heat pumps, and mainly solar panels. In 2023, nearly 40% of the loans were for the financing of solar panels. Interested? Here are some important points:
- Homeowners can €1,000 and €Twenty-seven thousand.
- The interest rate is 0% for income below €60,000.
- There is no age limit to close the loan.
- You must be the owner-inhabitant of the house you want to sustain.
- The installation of the solar panels shall be carried out by a certified installer such as Verdasol
Alternative financing possibilities for solar panels
In addition to green funding, other financial benefits are available for the purchase of solar panels. Some examples:
- Settlement scheme: This allows you to return green electricity to the grid at a favorable rate.
- VAT zero rate: When purchasing solar panels, you pay 0% VAT, both on labour and material costs. This also applies to VAT on home batteries, which means a 21% discount.
- Municipal grants: Several municipalities and provinces also offer financial concessions. Ask your congregation about the possibilities.
For companies and non-profit organisations, specific grants are available, such as the SDE, EIA, VAMIL, and KIA, while the SCE grant focuses on local green energy initiatives.
Ask us as an approved installer for the best grants for your project and receive free advice!
Current prices for solar panels
Financial concessions have made solar panels an attractive investment. Prices have even fallen over the past year, thanks to factors such as:
- Larger stocks in Europe since the pandemic, allowing wholesalers to buy cheaper.
- Lower prices for raw materials such as polysilicon and wafers, due to increased production.
- A less active market in recent years, which has led to lower prices.
For the exact price of your solar panels it is advisable to immediately no-binding offer To ask!
No solar panels installed yet? Find out how much you can save!
By choosing solar panels, you not only invest in a greener future, but also lower your energy bill. The savings vary according to situation, depending on factors such as your energy consumption and the orientation of your roof. Want to know what solar panels can get you? Use the free efficiency calculator.