Flemish households can install plug-in solar panels without registration
Householders in Flanders who want to use plug-in solar panels and home batteries will not have to register them with the distribution network operator Fluvius.
"Plug-and-play" devices have been commonplace in Germany and the Netherlands for some time. They are especially popular with people who do not have their own roof on which to install panels, such as those who live in a rented house or apartment.
From Monday, the sale of such devices will be officially permitted in Belgium. They can be used from 17 April.
The devices do not require installation or inspection but work in the same way as traditional panels. There will be a limit of two per household, De Tijd reports.
Fine for non-compliance
Fluvius will monitor compliance in Flanders. Anyone using a larger installation than permitted will face a fine of at least 92.79 euros.
It was previously communicated that there would be mandatory registration of plug-in devices with Fluvius, in line with the requirements for standard photovoltaic installations and home batteries.
However, the Flemish Energy and Climate Agency has confirmed to De Tijd that there will be no such requirement for plug-in solar panels and home batteries in Flanders. Householders in Wallonia will be required to report devices.
Reporting of larger installations is necessary for Fluvius to know how much energy the solar panels are feeding back into the electricity network, to prevent shortages and surpluses and avoid overloading.
#FlandersNewsService | A plug-in solar panel on the balcony of home in Berlin, 3 January 2025 © PHOTO TOBIAS SCHWARZ / AFP
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