From net metering to smart control: greater control over energy and costs.

The first step: solar panels with a clear financial case 

The first step was installing Taylor solar panels, initially driven by a straightforward financial calculation. With 24 panels on the roof, Toine was able to generate a large share of the household’s electricity himself. Under the Dutch net-metering scheme, excess generation during summer could offset higher electricity use during winter. 

“At first, the motivation was financial.” 

At the time, the calculation was clear and predictable, with an expected payback period of around 7 to 8 years. In practice, the home generated more electricity than it consumed during summer, while winter consumption could rise to around 45 to 50 kWh per day. 

The turning point 

By the end of 2024, the situation had started to change. Uncertainty around the future of net metering made the existing approach less straightforward. 

The focus shifted towards self-consumption and gaining more control over energy use and costs.

The next step: storage and smart control 

Together with his installer, Bozon Eindhoven, Toine explored whether battery storage would make sense. The decision was considered carefully rather than made immediately. 

Eventually, the system was expanded with a battery, the Open Energy Manager and a dynamic electricity contract with Frank Energie.

From that point on, the way the installation operates changed significantly. 

Instead of mainly generating electricity, the system now coordinates generation, storage and consumption. Taylor’s inverter and energy management system continuously manage these energy flows. 

When electricity is widely available and market prices are low, the battery can charge using either surplus solar energy or low-cost electricity from the grid. 

When demand and prices rise, the stored energy can be used in the home or exported to the grid. The system automatically manages these decisions based on the most financially favourable option, without requiring manual intervention. 

From an installation to a complete energy system 

The expansion also changed the way Toine uses energy. Having detailed insight into generation and consumption has made him more aware of how and when electricity is being used.

He regularly checks the app and adjusts his behaviour when it makes sense. When solar generation is high, appliances are deliberately used at those times to make better use of the electricity produced at home.

Those insights have also led to practical decisions. An older, smaller refrigerator, for example, was replaced with a larger but significantly more energy-efficient model. 

“It almost becomes a game. You can see what is happening and start adjusting what you do.” 

What began as a financial decision has gradually developed into active energy management and a more conscious approach to energy use. 

The role of the installer 

Bozon Eindhoven played an important part throughout the process. Its approach is based on discussing the options, challenging assumptions where necessary and working through each decision together with the customer. 

The starting point is what makes sense for the specific home and situation. 

Why Taylor 

Bozon Eindhoven works with Taylor systems and recommended the solution for Toine’s home. Several factors influenced his decision. 

Taylor being a Dutch company gave him confidence, as did having the different components supplied as part of one integrated system from a single provider. 

The system also provides detailed insight into performance. The software shows how each solar panel is performing, down to individual panel segments. This means shading or dirt has less impact on the overall energy yield. 

When several panels were not performing as expected shortly after installation, the issue was resolved quickly. That gave Toine confidence in both the technology and the support behind it. 

The result 

The impact is tangible. Toine’s energy costs are now around €100 per month, approximately €60 to €70 less than in his previous home. 

That is despite the current property being larger, offering a higher level of comfort and now also having a hybrid car to charge. 

Self-consumption has also increased substantially, reaching around 50 to 60% during sunny periods. 

Looking ahead: resilience and continuity 

The next step is focused on energy security. Toine is now exploring a backup power solution that would allow the house to continue operating temporarily during a grid outage. 

The preference is for an integrated solution through the electrical distribution board rather than a separate backup connection. With a relatively straightforward technical upgrade, the existing system can be extended, with the battery providing the foundation. 

Combined with solar generation, the household could continue operating for several days during an outage, provided electricity use is managed carefully. 

“Then you know you can keep going. Not with everything, but with what you really need.” 

From solar generation to active energy management 

This home shows how the role of solar energy is changing. What started as a financial investment has developed into an integrated system combining generation, storage and smart energy management. 

The result is lower energy costs, greater control over energy use and a more conscious approach to when and how energy is consumed.