Do you want to live more sustainably and save on water heating? In the Netherlands, in 2025, you can use the ISDE subsidy for hybrid heat pumps, fully electric heat pumps, and solar water heaters. This allows you to get up to 30% of your investment costs back. Here is a brief overview:
- Hybrid heat pumps: Subsidy starting from €1,250 + €225 per kW. Ideal for houses with a boiler. Savings: 30-50% on energy costs.
- Fully electric heat pumps: Subsidy starting from €1,250 + €225 per kW, with an extra bonus for A+++ systems. Requires good insulation and delivers 50-70% energy savings.
- Solar water heaters: Subsidy of €650 per m² collector surface (max. €2,400). Suitable for hot water use and saves 20-40%.
| System Type | Subsidy 2025 | Average Costs | Energy Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid heat pump | €1,250 + €225/kW | €4,000 - €7,000 | 30-50% |
| Fully electric pump | €1,250 + €225/kW | €8,000 - €14,000 | 50-70% |
| Solar water heater | €650/m² (max €2,400) | €3,000 - €5,000 | 20-40% |
Tip: Apply for the subsidy via RVO after installation. Choose a system that suits your home and budget.
1. Subsidies for Hybrid Heat Pumps (<12kW)
From 2025, the ISDE subsidy scheme for hybrid heat pumps has been adjusted to better align with current market prices. For systems with a capacity of up to 12 kW, the subsidy consists of a base amount of €1,250, supplemented with €225 per kW above 1 kW. For example, a 5kW system provides a subsidy of €2,150 (base amount + 4 x €225).
To qualify, the system must meet specific technical requirements:
- COP ≥3.4 for space heating
- COP ≥2.0 for hot water
- Noise level of external unit maximum 60 dB(A)
With an average price tag of €6,000 for a 5kW system, the subsidy amounts to a saving of 36%.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Average system costs | €4,000 - €7,000 |
| Base subsidy (2025) | €1,250 |
| Extra per kW above 1 kW | €225 |
Transition Scheme and Application Process
For systems ordered before January 1, 2025, the higher subsidy of 2024 applies. The subsidy can be applied for via the RVO (Netherlands Enterprise Agency) and can only be done after purchase and installation. You need the purchase invoice and proof of installation.
Hybrid versus All-Electric Heat Pumps
Although the subsidy for hybrid heat pumps is lower than for fully electric systems (base amount of €2,000 + €100 per kW), hybrid systems remain an attractive option. They have lower installation costs and are ideal for homes transitioning to completely gas-free heating. This makes them a logical interim solution, as further discussed in the next chapter.
2. Support for Fully Electric Heat Pumps
The subsidy for fully electric heat pumps operates on the same principle as for hybrid systems: a base amount of €1,250 plus €225 per kW above 1 kW. Additionally, there is a €200 bonus for systems with an A+++ label.
Subsidy Amounts and Costs
| System Size | Subsidy | Average Costs |
|---|---|---|
| 4 kW | €1,925 | €8,000 - €12,000 |
| 6 kW | €2,375 | €10,000 - €14,000 |
| 8 kW | €2,825 | €12,000 - €16,000 |
Technical Requirements
To qualify for the subsidy, the system must meet specific technical conditions:
- A minimum COP (Coefficient of Performance) of 4.0 for space heating.
- The system must be applied in existing houses.
Extra Financial Benefits
In addition to the ISDE subsidy, there are other financial benefits available for homeowners:
- 9% VAT rate on the labor costs of installation.
- Possible additional subsidies from the municipality.
Important Considerations for Installation
Good preparation is crucial for a fully electric heat pump. The house must be well insulated and the electrical system must handle the extra load. It is advisable to have a comprehensive home inspection carried out in advance. Companies like Bricknest provide assistance with custom advice and inspection services.
Unlike hybrid systems, which require fewer adjustments, a fully electric heat pump demands more planning and modifications. This highlights the importance of an informed choice, as further discussed in the comparison of systems.
With an average CO2 reduction of 3-4 tons per year, this system significantly contributes to making homes more sustainable. Besides heat pumps, solar water heaters are also an option, with their own subsidy schemes. More on this in the next chapter.
3. Solar Water Heater Subsidy Options
In 2025, the ISDE subsidy for solar water heaters offers a compensation of €650 per square meter of collector surface, with a maximum of €2,400 per system. This covers about 20-30% of total installation costs.
Subsidy Amounts and Installation Costs
| Collector Surface | Subsidy Amount | Estimated Installation Costs |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 m² | €1,625 | €3,000 - €3,500 |
| 4.0 m² | €2,400 | €4,000 - €4,500 |
| 5.0 m² | €2,400 | €4,500 - €5,000 |
Conditions for Subsidy
To qualify for the subsidy:
- The solar water heater must supply household hot water.
- The system must meet the government's minimum efficiency requirements.
- The solar water heater must remain in use for at least 5 years after installation.
Extra Financial Benefits
In addition to the ISDE subsidy, there are other financial benefits available:
- Local subsidies: Available through municipalities, depending on your location.
- Green loans: Financing options with low-interest rates.
Maintenance and Lifespan
Solar water heaters have an average lifespan of 20-30 years. Annual maintenance costs range between €50 and €100 for inspections. Additionally, there are periodic expenses, such as:
- Antifreeze fluid: €200-€300 (every 5-7 years)
- Pump replacement: €200-€400
Installation Assistance
Bricknest offers support at every step, from advice to quality control during installation.
With an energy saving of 50-80% on your hot water consumption, a solar water heater is a smart choice. The system works well with heat pumps by directly using sunlight. This makes it an efficient and environmentally friendly solution.
System Comparison
After analyzing individual subsidies, we now look at the main characteristics of the different systems.
Acquisition and Subsidies
| Aspect | Hybrid Heat Pump | All-Electric Heat Pump | Solar Water Heater |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | €4,000 - €6,000 | €8,000 - €12,000 | €2,500 - €4,500 |
| ISDE Subsidy 2025 | 30-36% of cost | 25-31% of cost | 20-30% of cost |
| Installation Requirements | Boiler + external unit | Radiator adjustment | Roof space |
| Energy Savings | 30-50% | 50-70% | 20-40% (only water heating) |
Technical Specifications
The efficiency varies greatly between systems. All-electric heat pumps have the highest COP value (4.0-5.0), while hybrid systems achieve a COP of 3.5-4.5. Solar water heaters perform particularly well in summer due to the use of solar energy.
Practical Considerations
The required space varies per system:
- Hybrid heat pump: Compact external unit, about 1m².
- All-electric heat pump: Larger external unit (1-1.5m²) and an internal unit.
- Solar water heater: 2-4m² roof surface and a storage tank of 0.5-1m².
Maintenance and Lifespan
| System | Maintenance | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Hybrid Heat Pump | Annually | 15-20 years |
| All-Electric Heat Pump | Minimal | 20-25 years |
| Solar Water Heater | Bi-annually | 20-30 years |
Noise Levels
Noise generation is a practical point to consider. Heat pumps produce 40-60 dB at the external unit, while solar water heaters are virtually silent. This can be a decisive factor in densely populated areas.
Smart Home Integration
- All-electric heat pumps offer extensive smart home management options.
- Hybrid systems have limited integration possibilities.
- Solar water heaters have almost no smart home options.
This comparison makes it clear that each system has specific advantages. The choice depends on factors such as available space, budget, and the situation of the house. This aligns with the CO2 reduction goals and can be combined with the previously discussed installation preparations for the best results.
Best Choice Guide
Based on a technical and financial comparison, we offer targeted advice:
For Existing Homes with a Boiler
The hybrid heat pump is often a practical option. This system can save between €300 and €500 annually and is suitable for people who:
- Want to transition to more sustainable systems gradually
- Have limited space available for installation
- Want to continue using their existing boiler
For Thoroughly Renovated Houses
The all-electric heat pump performs best in renovated homes, with annual savings of €500 to €800. This solution works well for:
- Homes with good insulation
- Houses equipped with underfloor heating
For Smaller Households
A solar water heater is a smart choice if you:
- Have a roof facing south
- Have a limited budget
- Want to supplement your existing heating system
Living Situation and Choice
| Living Situation | Best Choice | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Small home (< 100m²) | Solar Heater or Hybrid | Limited space and lower investment costs |
| Large home (> 150m²) | All-electric heat pump | Higher efficiency and greater savings |
Financial Considerations
Companies like Bricknest offer support in applying for subsidies and technical checks. Combine this help with subsidies like ISDE and municipal schemes to reduce costs. This aligns with the national CO2 reduction goals previously mentioned.
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