Solar panels and home batteries are a smart combination for using energy more efficiently, especially now that the net metering scheme is being phased out starting in 2025. This allows you to store excess solar energy for later use, reducing your energy costs and making you more independent from the grid.
Key Benefits:
- Lower Energy Costs: Use more of your self-generated power.
- Less Grid Dependency: Self-sufficient, even during power outages.
- More Sustainable: Lower CO2 emissions through local consumption.
- Ready for the Future: Prepared for changing energy regulations.
How Does It Work?
- Solar Panels convert sunlight into direct current (DC).
- Hybrid Inverters make the electricity usable (alternating current - AC) and manage energy between your battery, the grid, and your devices.
- Home Batteries store excess energy for later use.
Choosing a System:
- Hybrid Inverter: Convenient for integrated battery management.
- Battery Capacity: Depends on your consumption (5-15 kWh, from €4,500).
- Installation Requirements: Professional installation needed for subsidy (up to €2,850 in 2025).
With the right alignment of solar panels, battery, and inverter, you can manage energy more efficiently and save on your energy bill.
Solar Panels and Home Batteries: How Do They Work?
How Energy Is Generated
Solar panels generate energy through photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight into direct current (DC). These cells, often made of silicon, react to sunlight by moving electrons, which generates electrical current. Since household appliances need alternating current (AC), an inverter converts the DC to 230V AC, the standard in Dutch homes.
Storage in Home Batteries
If the generated energy is not used immediately, a home battery stores the surplus. These batteries preserve the DC and work with the inverter to manage energy efficiently. The stored power is used later, for example in the evening or on cloudy days. The hybrid inverter plays a key role in managing this process.
The Role of the Hybrid Inverter
The hybrid inverter is the centerpiece of the system. The device coordinates the energy flows between the solar panels, home battery, electricity grid, and connected appliances. Here are the main functions:
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| DC to AC Conversion | Converts the solar panels’ DC to AC for household use |
| Battery Management | Controls charging and discharging of the home battery |
| Grid Interaction | Manages exporting energy to and importing energy from the electricity grid |
The system automatically chooses the most efficient energy source. During the day, solar energy is used directly, supplemented with battery energy if necessary. Only if both sources are insufficient does the system switch to power from the electricity grid.
Types and Functions of Inverters
Comparison of Inverter Options
Now that we know how inverters work, let's look at the different types and their features.
| Inverter Type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Hybrid Inverter | • Integrated battery management • Central monitoring • Lower installation costs |
• Single point of failure for the whole system • Less expansion options |
| Microinverters | • Optimization per solar panel • Flexible expandability • Higher yield under shading |
• Higher acquisition costs • More complex installation |
The best inverter depends on factors such as the size of the installation, budget, and roof layout. For an average Dutch household with 10-12 solar panels and a home battery, a hybrid inverter is often a good choice due to the built-in functions and lower costs.
Why Choose Hybrid Inverters?
Hybrid inverters have features that improve your system's performance:
- Smart Energy Management: Automatically controls how generated energy is used, including storage and consumption.
- Real-time Monitoring: Provides insight into energy generation, battery status, and consumption.
- Safety: Protects against overvoltage and overheating and automatically shuts down in the event of problems.
With an average lifespan of 10-15 years and an efficiency of over 95%, hybrid inverters are a solid choice for an integrated energy system.
System Integration Results
After discussing how inverters and batteries work, it’s time to look at the practical benefits of this system. Below, the results of this combination are explained.
Cost Savings
With an integrated system, you can immediately leverage the generated energy, reducing dependence on the electricity grid. This leads to lower energy costs. How much you save depends on the size of the system and your energy consumption.
Reduction of CO2 Emissions
By using more solar energy locally, the demand for electricity from fossil fuels is reduced. This helps to decrease CO2 emissions and contributes to a more sustainable energy supply.
Smart Energy Consumption
Hybrid inverters and smart systems ensure that solar energy is used as efficiently as possible. The system automatically switches between direct consumption, storage, and grid export. This makes a big difference, especially during peak hours when demand is high. This collaboration between solar panels, batteries, and inverters links efficiency, cost savings, and sustainability directly together.
Installation Requirements
Now that we've discussed the operation and results of integrated systems, it’s time to look at what you need for the installation.
System Compatibility Check
Here are some key points to consider:
- Inverter: Check if your inverter is suitable for battery integration. If not, you need to switch to a hybrid model.
- Grid Connection: Ensure your connection is suitable for both exporting and storing. A 3-phase connection usually provides the best performance.
- Space: Choose a dry, well-ventilated area with a temperature between 15°C and 25°C for the battery.
Battery Size and Costs
The right battery size depends on your energy consumption and the capacity of your solar panels. Here is an overview of the most common options:
| Battery Capacity | Suitable for | Approximate Price (incl. VAT) | Average Payback Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 kWh | 1-2 person household | €4,500 - €6,000 | 8-10 years |
| 10 kWh | 3-4 person household | €7,000 - €9,000 | 7-9 years |
| 15 kWh | Large household | €10,000 - €12,000 | 6-8 years |
Important Considerations
- The ISDE subsidy for home batteries can reach up to €2,850 in 2025.
- Installation by a certified installer is required to qualify for the subsidy.
- The battery must have a minimum warranty of 10 years.
- The system should include monitoring to track performance.
It's important that the battery capacity matches your daily energy consumption and the output of your solar panels. Consider a professional energy scan to determine the right configuration for your situation. Use this guide to help choose the battery that best meets your needs.
Conclusion
Solar panels combined with home batteries form a smart way to utilize energy more efficiently. By storing excess solar energy for later use, reliance on energy suppliers is significantly reduced.
With a hybrid inverter, the generated energy is optimally utilized, resulting in better energy management in the home.
It’s essential that both the solar panels and the battery are well matched to the energy requirement, professionally installed, regularly maintained, and closely monitored. These steps are crucial to ensure a reliable and future-oriented energy system.
This integrated system contributes to a more sustainable way of consuming energy for households.
Bricknest Services
Bricknest ensures that the integration of solar panels and home batteries runs smoothly by providing comprehensive guidance.
With a personal project manager and an independent specialist, the installation is tailored to your needs. The specialist conducts a thorough check to ensure everything meets high-quality standards. This is especially important for the technical integration of solar panels and home batteries.
Through an easy-to-use digital dashboard, you can track the progress of your project and view all important documents. After installation, Bricknest is ready to provide support and answer any questions.
You get a 1-year hassle-free warranty and coverage up to €500,000, ensuring your investment is well protected.
| Service | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Management | Personal guidance and coordination |
| Quality Control | Independent assessment by specialists |
| Aftercare | 1-year warranty and technical support |
| Extras | Digital dashboard and €500,000 coverage |
This approach ensures that your energy system not only works reliably but also offers optimal returns for your situation.
