Are solar panels a good investment in Belgium?

Installing solar panels in Belgium offers an attractive return on investment in terms of energy and cost savings. Even without green certificates, owners of photovoltaic systems can recoup their investment in just a few years. To further optimize their financial savings, here are three key ways:

How much do solar panels cost?

The price of solar panels has dropped significantly in recent years. In addition, you can receive a subsidy from the government for photovoltaic panels. The average solar panel price is around €1.26 per watt peak (Wp), although the exact price depends on a number of criteria:

Where can I install solar panels in Belgium?

For the installation of solar panels on the ground, on a protected building or in other regulated cases, you will have to contact your municipality. There are several companies active in Belgium that install solar panels.

How much do solar panels cost in Flanders?

The cost of solar panels has decreased in recent years, making them more accessible. Currently, a 5,000 Wp installation costs around €6,000 including VAT. Government subsidies for solar panel installations are gradually phasing out. In Flanders, the maximum subsidy for 2024 is €375, down from €750.

Will Belgium halve the solar PV premium in 2023?

The premium for heat pump boilers, on the other hand, will be retroactively doubled. The government of Belgium’s Flanders region will halve the solar PV premium for residential installations from Jan. 1, 2023. The scheme was introduced in January 2021, after the region’s net metering scheme ended, and it currently offers a premium of up to €1,500.

How do solar panels work in Belgium?

In Belgium there are two main types of solar panels. Solar Thermal Panels: these harness the sun's heat to produce hot water and heat homes. Equipped with sensors capturing up to 90% of sunlight, these panels transport heat to a water tank for storage, ensuring a continuous supply of hot water, even on overcast days.