Subsidy for energy-saving measures (consumer)
As a consumer you can get various subsidies when you take energy-efficient measures. For example, homeowners who want to insulate their home (or have it insulated) or make the house more energy-efficient in another way. Making a home more energy-efficient delivers substantial savings. Yet many consumers are put off by the high investment amount. That is why the Rijksoverheid offers various subsidies to convince consumers to make their homes more energy-efficient after all. Most subsidies are intended for owners of an owner-occupied home, or when you are part of an owners' association. Moreover, the subsidies mentioned on this page only apply to private individuals.
01Different types of subsidies
There are two different types of subsidies in the Netherlands. The first subsidies for energy-saving measures apply to people who own their home and live in that house themselves. These are the so-called ‘owner-occupiers’. This subsidy has been used extensively in recent years, as a result of which the budget for issuing subsidies has sometimes been reached.
Another option is the subsidy for people who fall under an owners' association (VvE’s). The government uses a separate budget for this.
Applying for a subsidy as an owner-occupier
Since 2017 it has no longer been possible for owner-occupiers to apply for subsidies for making the home more energy-efficient. The Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (RVO) has indicated that the subsidy is exhausted for the coming years. That is why it is now only possible to apply for a subsidy if you are part of an owners' association (VvE).
Owners' associations and subsidy for energy-saving measures
Consumers who are members of an owners' association can still make use of a subsidy from the RVO. The reason for this is that the government has placed this subsidy in a separate budget. In some cases you may be eligible for the subsidy. There are, however, various conditions you must meet.
Anyone who wants to take energy-saving measures on the home, such as insulating the roof or having double glazing installed, can get a subsidy for it. The subsidy amount is usually about 20 percent of the total expenditure. You must, however, have at least 2 new insulation measures carried out. The subsidy encourages consumers to take the measures.
Moreover, you then need to invest less money, which makes taking the measures more attractive. The subsidies are especially interesting if you have an older house. These houses are often poorly insulated or not insulated at all. By having the house insulated, you get less high energy costs. Various subsidies are possible for both newer homes and older homes.
Conditions for the RVO subsidy
There are various conditions for being eligible for the RVO subsidies. Firstly, the person applying for the subsidy must be the owner of the home, and must live in it themselves. Renting out the home is therefore not permitted.
Moreover, you must carry out at least two measures. You may choose from: roof insulation, cavity wall insulation, facade insulation, floor or ground insulation or installing HR++ glass or triple glazing.
Thirdly, you must meet conditions with regard to quality. There are minimum requirements for the coverage of the insulation. Preferably the entire surface of, for example, the roof, facade or floor must be insulated. If this is not possible, the government imposes a minimum number of square metres.
Moreover, you can only apply for a subsidy for measures that have not yet been taken. The subsidy application is per address. This means that you may not make more applications at one address. Moreover, you may not apply for a subsidy every year. It is only possible once, which means that it can be more attractive to have several energy-saving measures carried out at once and to apply for a subsidy for them.
Other subsidies for energy-saving measures
Other subsidies for energy-saving measures are also possible. These subsidies are intended for consumers. For example, there is the ‘subsidieregeling energiebesparing in huis.’ This scheme is national. Municipalities and provinces often also have their own subsidies. For example, the Energiebespaarlening is possible. Owners' associations can moreover apply for even more subsidies for insulating buildings.
Anyone who has already taken at least 2 energy-saving measures can get even more subsidies. Think, for example, of hydronically balancing the central heating boiler, or having insulating window frames installed. The subsidy is usually always 20 percent of the investment.
Furthermore, subsidies are also possible for customised advice. With this an adviser indicates which measures are possible and sensible to insulate the home properly. In addition, there is the energy performance guarantee. This is an insurance that guarantees that energy-saving measures are carried out correctly.
Finally, it is possible to submit a subsidy application under the ISDE. This is a subsidy scheme intended for both private and business users. This subsidy is possible if you want to invest in, for example, the purchase of a solar water heater, heat pump or biomass boiler. As a private individual it is possible to apply for a contribution towards the purchase of smaller energy-saving measures. This subsidy is very suitable if you want to take smaller measures and are not eligible for the RVO subsidies.
Subsidies for landlords
Other subsidy schemes for energy saving have been set up for landlords of rental homes. These often concern so-called zero-on-the-meter homes. In that case the landlord can ask the tenant for a contribution. The tenant then pays hardly any costs for energy consumption. The tenant then spends the same on housing costs, while living in a house with more comfort.
02Applying for a subsidy for energy-saving measures
A subsidy application is usually possible via the website of the Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland. In the application you must indicate which measures the subsidy application is intended for. Moreover, there must already be a quotation from a company, which you can submit. With it you can prove that you really intend to take the measures.
Subsidy for energy-saving measures (consumer)
Saving energy with government subsidies: this is how!
Work out the monthly amount with your usage and feed-in.