What is the energy-saving loan for a home battery?
The energy-saving loan is a loan from the National Heat Fund for homeowner-residents who want to make their homes more sustainable. It’s important to know that this is a loan and not a grant. Furthermore, there is no national subsidy for home batteries, as home batteries are not currently automatically covered by the ISDE subsidy. Some municipalities and provinces do have their own programs, but these vary widely and may change with each application round.
The main advantage of the energy-saving loan is the interest rate. Households with a gross combined income of up to €60,000 pay 0% interest. If your income exceeds that amount, you’ll pay a low interest rate that remains fixed for the entire term. You can always find the current rates at warmtefonds.nl. For the home battery itself, you can borrow up to €8,500, within a total limit of €29,000 for all measures combined.
The loan is intended for a home battery installed by a professional; a plug-and-play battery is not eligible. It can also be combined with other measures. For example, solar panels and a home battery make a logical pair. If you’re also considering a heat pump, you can include it in the same application, as long as you stay within the maximum loan amount.
Eligibility and Requirements: Am I Eligible?
To be eligible, you must be both the owner and the resident of the home. In addition, the battery must be installed by a certified installer, and you may only use it for personal purposes—not for business. When reviewing your application, the Warmtefonds will also assess your financial situation. Your gross combined income determines whether you qualify for the 0% interest rate.
To submit your application, you’ll need a quote from an installer that clearly states the brand and model of the battery, as well as the installation costs. After installation, you’ll need the invoice. At Off Grid Power Station, we prepare our quotes so that you can use them directly for your application.
Here’s how the application process works, step by step
First, you request a quote from us. You then use that quote to submit an online application to the Warmtefonds. The application remains valid for three months, so be sure to schedule the installation in plenty of time. After a positive review, the Warmtefonds will open a construction account with a loan amount. Our installers will then install the battery. Next, submit the invoice and proof of installation, and the Warmtefonds will disburse funds from the construction account.
Make sure your documents are complete and have the quote reviewed in advance. The most common mistakes are buying the battery before the application is approved, choosing a system that isn’t installed by a professional, and letting the application expire. We’ll guide you through the entire process.
Costs, Savings, and Payback Period with an Energy-Saving Loan
The price depends on capacity, brand, and installation. The savings will become more significant after 2026, because the net metering program ends on January 1, 2027. After that, you’ll only receive a feed-in tariff. Many energy providers also charge feed-in fees. With a home battery, you can store your surplus energy and use it yourself in the evening. Exactly how much you save depends on your energy consumption, your solar panels, and your energy contract. Also keep VAT in mind. Solar panels are subject to 0% VAT, but a home battery is usually not covered by that rate and is therefore subject to 21% VAT. It’s best to seek advice from the Tax Authority or a tax advisor regarding a potential VAT refund.