The Prosumer Tariff for Installations Before January 1, 2024
Owners of photovoltaic systems installed before January 1, 2024, benefit from the “reversing meter” principle until the end of 2030. In most cases, these systems generate enough electricity to cover their annual consumption, meaning owners rarely need to purchase electricity from the grid.
However, as these owners do not contribute to grid maintenance, legislators introduced a prosumer tariff to ensure fairness. This tariff applies to owners of reversing meter systems, compensating for their use of the grid without direct contribution to its upkeep.
The Prosumer Tariff for Installations After January 1, 2024
New photovoltaic system owners are no longer subject to the prosumer tariff. Instead, surplus solar energy not consumed at the time of production is sold back to the grid. When production does not meet the home’s immediate needs, these new prosumers must purchase electricity from the grid, including transport and distribution fees.
How Does the Prosumer Tariff Work?
The CWAPE (Walloon Energy Commission) provides two methods for calculating the prosumer tariff:
- Flat-Rate Principle
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- Based on the inverter’s power in kVA multiplied by an annual flat rate (approximately €80 per year per kVA). For a typical 5 kVA system, this translates to an annual prosumer tariff of around €400.
- “Real” Principle
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- Based on the actual network usage. This method is more advantageous for owners who self-consume more than 38% of their solar energy. Home battery owners, who generally achieve much higher self-consumption rates, are better suited for this option. However, a smart meter is required.
The Importance of Self-Consumption
With the introduction of the prosumer tariff, maximizing self-consumption—direct use of the solar energy you produce—becomes crucial. Higher self-consumption reduces reliance on the grid, lowering costs associated with the prosumer tariff.
Solar Batteries and the Prosumer Tariff
Using solar batteries, like the LoopXCell intelligent battery, can significantly increase self-consumption. By storing surplus solar energy, owners can use it during non-production hours, reducing grid dependency and minimizing costs tied to the prosumer tariff.
Financial and Environmental Benefits
In addition to financial advantages, increasing self-consumption with solar batteries promotes a more sustainable use of energy. This helps reduce overall carbon footprints and supports the transition to renewable energy.
Conclusion
The prosumer tariff presents both a challenge and an opportunity for solar panel owners. By understanding the tariff and adapting energy consumption habits—especially by using solar batteries like LoopXCell—prosumers can optimize energy costs and contribute to a more sustainable energy future.
Contact us today to learn how LoopXCell can help you make the most of your solar energy system!