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Solar Panels Without Using Your Own Savings

Solar Panels
Esmée 3 minutes

Solar panels quickly pay for themselves. They immediately reduce your energy bills and also add value to your home. The current discussion about feed-in charges at Vandebron doesn’t change that. However, installing solar panels is still a significant investment and can be a strain on your savings. But is it absolutely necessary to use your own savings to finance them?

The reassuring answer: no, it isn’t! There are several loan options available for solar panel installations. The Dutch government believes everyone should have the opportunity to make their homes more sustainable. That’s why the National Heat Fund (Warmtefonds) was established in 2013, offering financing through the Energy Saving Loan (Energiebespaarlening).

Loans for Solar Panels

The Warmtefonds provides a reliable option to finance solar panels. It is a non-profit organization that aims to keep interest rates low. For example, all loans have a fixed interest rate for the full duration of the loan — so there are no surprises later on.

Currently, the interest rate is even 0% for households with a combined income below €60,000 per year. If your income is higher, the interest rate (as of September 2023) is 4.3%. Loan terms can be 7, 10, or 15 years. Since this fund is backed by the central government, it’s accessible to most homeowners. In fact, your monthly loan repayment may be lower than the amount you save on your energy bill.

Example Calculation

  • Investment in 12 solar panels of 435 Wp each, total capacity: 5,220 Wp

  • Total installation cost: €6,200

  • Annual yield: approx. 4,780 kWh → at €0.30/kWh = €1,434 in savings per year (approx. €120/month)

  • Monthly repayment on Energy Saving Loan: €47 (€564 per year)

Conclusion: You save €120/month on your energy bill while only paying €47/month — a direct net benefit!

(Wp stands for watt-peak, the maximum output under ideal conditions. Consumption is measured in kilowatt-hours: 1 kWh = 1,000 watts used for one hour.)

Already Have Solar Panels?

Even if your home already has solar panels, this loan can still be relevant. It can also be used to finance a home battery, insulation, a heat pump, or double glazing.

While renting solar panels is also possible, financing is usually more cost-effective. You remain the owner of your installation and benefit from the 0% VAT on solar systems.

Municipal Solar Panel Loans

Another option is the Sustainability Loan offered by the Stimuleringsfonds Volkshuisvesting (SVn), in collaboration with municipalities and provinces. This is a personal loan with a fixed interest rate and term. It is disbursed via a construction depot from which costs are paid directly. However, not all municipalities participate — so check availability on the SVn website.

In summary: Financing solar panels offers an affordable and accessible way to make your home more sustainable.