Netherlands sees modest rise in solar panel installations as subsidy phase‑out slows growth

In the Dutch municipality of Maassluis, 268 new solar panel installations were added last year, marking a 5 % increase and bringing the share of homes with panels to 32 %. In Zaanstad, 815 additional systems were installed, a 4 % rise that leaves 28 % of residences equipped with solar panels. Both municipalities report that growth has stalled after years of rapid expansion – a 176 % increase in Zaanstad over the previous five years – owing to market saturation and the imminent end of the net‑metering (salderings) scheme, alongside new back‑feed charges.

Zonneplan, the energy company analysing the CBS data, says panels remain valuable for self‑consumption, with customers using on average 31 % of the electricity they generate, saving roughly €400 per household annually. The firm also notes that 24 % of new panel owners plan to add a home battery by 2026 to increase self‑use.

Overall, the data highlight a slowdown in residential solar uptake across the Netherlands as financial incentives wane, prompting consumers to focus on self‑sufficiency rather than exporting surplus power.