SDE++ and solar energy systems

On-ground solar energy (PV) has seen significant growth in the Netherlands.  Although government policy limits further expansion, PV still plays a major role as an energy source in subsidized capacity. Under certain conditions, PV installations are still eligible for subsidies; one of these conditions is that they must comply with the priority criteria set out in the solar ladder and that a battery must be installed in new projects.

To be eligible for the SDE++ subsidy, solar installations must have an installed electrical capacity of more than 15 kWp and a high-capacity consumer connection.

Categories in the SDE++

Under the SDE++ program, operators can apply for two types of grants:

• Zon-PV met een piekvermogen ≥ 15 kWp en < 1 MWp
• Solar PV with a peak capacity of ≥ 1 MWp

Both must have a connection for high-current loads with a capacity of at least 3 x 80 A. 

The costs of such a high-capacity connection are substantial, amounting to as much as several hundred thousand euros per connection. Therefore, a grid connection with a binding connection date must be agreed upon with the grid operator prior to submitting the grant application. 

500 kWp and above: feasibility study

If a planned PV installation exceeds 500 kWp, the operator must submit a feasibility study. The feasibility study must, at a minimum, include a description of the operator’s equity capital. More information about the feasibility study can be found at: https://mijn.rvo.nl/sde.