One in three tenants with solar panels wants to get rid of them when the netting scheme comes to an end. Several parties are calling on the government to come up with new measures to keep solar panels attractive.
The government’s plan to abolish the netting scheme in 2027 is causing major concerns among tenants who use solar panels. The end of the netting scheme is so detrimental that one in three tenants with solar panels says they want to get rid of it. This is evident from one new research by the Woonbond, which interviewed more than 600 tenants with solar panels.
Costs higher than revenues
In most cases, the landlord owns the solar panels and tenants pay a fixed amount per month per solar panel. If tenants pay more than 2 euros per month for this, the solar panels will cost more than they yield after the abolition of the netting scheme, the Woonbond states. The research shows that more than 80 percent of tenants indeed pay more than 2 euros monthly for the panels. If energy companies charge feed-in costs, solar panels become even more expensive for tenants.
Petition with 200,000 signatures
The Woonbond believes that the netting scheme cannot simply be abolished without there being a fair alternative. “Especially now that the rental sector is catching up and more and more tenants are getting solar panels, the benefit of netting does not accrue to them and it quickly becomes unattractive to have solar panels on your rental home,” says policy officer Bastiaan van Perlo.
The Woonbond is calling in together with the Eigen Huis Association, the Consumers’ Association and Aedes a petition the government to ensure that solar panels continue to pay off after 2027. The petition has already been signed 200,000 times and will be presented to the cabinet on Tuesday for the debate in the House of Representatives on the termination of the netting scheme.
This week, GroenLinks-PvdA and SP submitted a motion calling on the cabinet to allocate 500 million euros over five years for solar panels on rental properties. According to the parties, studies by TNO and CE Delft showed that the abolition of the netting scheme will hit social tenants the hardest.
GroenLinks-PvdA and SP want housing associations to receive subsidies for the installation of solar panels, so that the service costs for the panels can decrease. This means they can remain beneficial for social tenants and corporations can recoup their costs. However, the motion is advised against by Climate Minister Sophie Hermans.
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Solar Panel Fiasco: Tenants Want Out!
Ah, solar panels—the glorious panels of future energy that seem to light up our lives as much as they empty our pockets! But wait, what’s this? Apparently, one in three tenants who have these solar gadgets on their roofs are ready to give them the heave-ho! Why, you ask? Because the beloved netting scheme is going the way of the dodo in 2027, and it seems our tenants aren’t thrilled about it!
The Shocking Truth
According to some enlightening research by the Woonbond, which surveyed over 600 tenants, the perspective is as bright as a black hole. Yes, it’s true, many are bracing for the end of the netting scheme, and they’re not exactly leaping with joy. When the sun sets on the netting scheme, the costs of these solar panels are set to soar like a kite in a hurricane! No wonder tenants are considering what to do with these overhyped gadgets; it’s like throwing money at the sun and just getting burnt!
Costs Higher Than Revenues?
Let’s talk numbers. Most of these solar panel setups mean that landlords are raking in the glory while tenants are picking up the tab. The Woonbond has reported that if tenants are paying more than 2 euros a month per solar panel (which a staggering 80% of them are), they’re essentially lighting their money on fire! And hey, if energy companies decide to throw in some cheeky feed-in costs, it’s not exactly going to help lighten the financial load, is it?
Petition Power!
Now, don’t worry, tenants aren’t just sitting around twiddling their thumbs. The Woonbond, alongside a few other parties, has taken the bull by the horns! They’ve launched a petition, and hold onto your solar hats—it’s gathered 200,000 signatures! These petitioners are calling on the government to ensure that solar panels retain some semblance of financial sense post-2027. Poor Bastiaan van Perlo, the Woonbond policy officer, insists the government can’t just pull the rug out from under the whole system without offering something in return. I mean, a bit of common sense wouldn’t go amiss!
Money Talks: 500 Million Euros
In a delightful twist to this tale, GroenLinks-PvdA and SP presented a motion asking the cabinet to allocate a whopping 500 million euros over five years for solar panels on rental properties. They argue that tenants, especially in social housing, are the ones getting the short end of the stick. Because, let’s face it, if the panels aren’t serving up the financial sunshine, why even bother? A little funding could mean tenants can keep their solar panels without losing their sanity… or their life savings!
Climate Minister: Not a Fan?
However, not everyone is on the solar express. Climate Minister Sophie Hermans isn’t exactly hopping on that bandwagon and has advised against the motion. It’s a classic case of politicians throwing a wet blanket on a warm idea! But who knows? Maybe the government will hit rewind before too long.
Conclusion
So, what’s the takeaway from this sunny disaster? As it stands, tenants are questioning whether these solar panels are the golden ticket or just a costly headache. With the impending changes looming, one can only hope that our esteemed government finds a way to make this solar dream still shine a little brighter for the everyday tenant. Or, they might just find themselves digging holes as tenants dig out their panels! Stay tuned, folks—this solar saga is just getting started.
As the government’s plan to abolish the netting scheme approaches in 2027, significant unease looms among tenants benefiting from solar panels, with one in three expressing intentions to remove them altogether. A coalition of concerned organizations is urging the government to devise innovative strategies to sustain the appeal of solar energy installations.
The proposed elimination of the netting scheme has sparked serious apprehensions among tenants utilizing solar panels. Research conducted by the Woonbond, involving over 600 tenants, reveals that one in three participants plan to part ways with their solar panels as the termination date draws near. This alarming trend highlights the potential hardships tenants will face, as they can no longer rely on the previous benefits offered by the scheme.
Costs higher than revenues
Typically, the solar panels are owned by the landlords, with tenants obligated to pay a set monthly fee for each panel. If tenants find themselves paying over 2 euros per month, the financial burden escalates beyond the energy returns expected once the netting scheme is abolished, according to insights from the Woonbond. The findings indicate that over 80 percent of tenants currently incur monthly costs exceeding 2 euros for their solar panels. Should energy companies introduce feed-in tariffs, tenants could face even greater financial strain.
Petition with 200,000 signatures
The Woonbond argues vehemently that abolishing the netting scheme without offering a viable alternative would be profoundly unjust. Bastiaan van Perlo, a policy officer with the organization, emphasized the necessity for a fair solution, particularly as the rental sector increasingly adopts solar technology, making the existing benefits of netting less accessible to tenants.
The Woonbond has joined forces with the Eigen Huis Association, the Consumers’ Association, and Aedes to launch a petition demanding the government take measures ensuring that solar panels remain financially viable post-2027. To date, the petition has garnered an impressive 200,000 signatures and is set to be presented to the cabinet in the upcoming parliamentary debate regarding the netting scheme’s cessation.
This week, the political parties GroenLinks-PvdA and SP submitted a motion urging the cabinet to allocate 500 million euros over the next five years specifically for solar panels on rental properties. They cite research from TNO and CE Delft indicating that the removal of the netting scheme will disproportionately affect social tenants, intensifying their financial hardships.
In an effort to alleviate costs for social tenants, GroenLinks-PvdA and SP propose that housing associations receive subsidies for the installation of solar panels. This would ultimately lower service fees associated with the panels, ensuring that tenants can still reap the benefits. However, this motion has faced resistance from Climate Minister Sophie Hermans, who advises against the proposal.
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**Interview with Bastiaan van Perlo, Policy Officer at Woonbond**
**Editor:** Welcome, Bastiaan! Thank you for joining us today. There’s a lot of concern surrounding the government’s impending abolition of the netting scheme in 2027. Could you give us an overview of the situation as it stands?
**Bastiaan van Perlo:** Thank you for having me. Yes, the situation is indeed troubling for many tenants. Our recent research has shown that one in three tenants with solar panels are planning to remove them once the netting scheme ends. This has raised significant concerns, especially since the financial benefits they currently receive are likely to diminish drastically.
**Editor:** That’s quite alarming. Can you elaborate on why so many tenants feel this way?
**Bastiaan van Perlo:** Certainly! The primary reason is financial. Most solar panel installations in rental properties are owned by the landlords, meaning tenants pay a fixed monthly fee—often exceeding 2 euros per panel. With the anticipated end of netting, many tenants will find that the costs of maintaining these panels outweigh the energy savings, especially if they are paying more than they should. Over 80% of those we surveyed are already spending more than this threshold.
**Editor:** And I understand there’s been a significant public reaction to this issue, including a petition?
**Bastiaan van Perlo:** Yes, absolutely. We’ve teamed up with groups like the Eigen Huis Association and the Consumers’ Association to advocate for a fair solution post-2027. We launched a petition which has garnered over 200,000 signatures! People are eager for the government to ensure that solar panels remain financially viable for tenants, especially as we see more rentals adopting them.
**Editor:** That sounds like a powerful mobilization! What specific actions are you and your collaborators proposing to the government?
**Bastiaan van Perlo:** We urge the government to develop alternatives that would allow tenants to benefit from solar energy without incurring additional costs. Moreover, parties like GroenLinks-PvdA and SP have proposed allocating 500 million euros over five years to support solar panel installations in rental properties. This funding could help lower service costs so that these solar systems remain attractive for social tenants.
**Editor:** Interesting. However, I’ve seen reports that Climate Minister Sophie Hermans has advised against this motion. How does that impact your efforts?
**Bastiaan van Perlo:** It’s certainly a setback, but we believe it’s crucial to keep pushing for a solution. The government must reconsider its position as we stand on the brink of significant changes that could adversely impact many vulnerable tenants. We’ve made it clear that the termination of the netting scheme cannot occur without offering tenants viable alternatives.
**Editor:** It seems like this situation is evolving quickly. what do you hope the government will take away from this petition and your advocacy?
**Bastiaan van Perlo:** We hope they recognize the importance of keeping solar energy accessible and beneficial for all tenants. With the rise of sustainability, it’s vital that our policies support those who are most affected. If we don’t address these concerns, we risk losing the progress we’ve made in making solar energy a common option for renters.
**Editor:** Thank you, Bastiaan, for shedding light on this pressing issue. We’ll certainly be following the developments closely in the coming months.
**Bastiaan van Perlo:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important matter!
