Call system to replace green energy certificates from May 2021
Are you thinking about installing solar panels and making your business more sustainable? If so, you have one last chance today to make an informed choice between the current green energy certificate scheme and the new call system.
On 10 July, the Flemish Government voted to amend the Energy Decree. The details of the amendment are now becoming increasingly clear. For example, the current solar energy subsidy scheme will end on 31 May 2021. Only installations that have been approved before this date will still be eligible for green energy certificates. From then on, the new call system will be introduced, a system that is completely different from the previous one but with which Encon has gained the necessary experience through projects in the Netherlands and France.
The call system versus green energy certificates
Essentially, under the new system, the government allocates a single annual sum for renewable energy subsidies, rather than a variable amount based on the electricity generated.
Under the new system, a budget is opened at least twice a year to subsidise large PV projects (> 40 kW) and small wind turbines. Within a pre-announced 14-day period, you have the opportunity to apply for investment support. This investment support is then allocated based on the cost per unit of energy produced. Projects with the lowest support application per kWh generated are given priority. Conversely, projects that set their rates too high run the risk of not being considered within the allocated budget and will then have to wait until the next call to try their luck.
The call system is also a form of investment support: a lump-sum payment made following approval of the installation. This means that green energy certificates will no longer be awarded during the first 10 years of operation. Both systems have advantages and disadvantages. The major advantage of the new system is that the support is awarded in a single lump sum at the start of the project, freeing up budget to make new investments with attractive returns. The disadvantage? Under the current system, the support is adjusted during the operational period, so that the financial return on the solar panels is guaranteed in the event that energy prices fall. Under the new system, this risk is borne by the investor, who, however, also benefits from this new scheme if energy prices rise.
The last chance to make an informed choice
Both systems therefore have their pros and cons, which will vary for each business. However, you still have the chance to choose today. So, if you’d like to maximise the return on your installation, now is the time to take action. We’d be happy to help you weigh up all the pros and cons for your business and make an informed choice. If our discussion reveals that green energy certificates are the most cost-effective solution for your business, you can still join our group purchase before 1 December, ensuring your PV installation is inspected in time before the new system comes into effect.
The benefits of a group purchase
With a group purchase, we first and foremost optimise the installation to suit your business profile, after which it is put out to tender in combination with various other rooftops in your area. This allows installers to optimise the deployment of their staff and equipment, whilst you benefit from a competitively negotiated price. Furthermore, during negotiations, the focus is on hassle-free operation with a guaranteed yield from your installation, as well as the assurance that you can still apply for subsidies within your preferred scheme.
Do you want to be sure of the best support measures for your specific business situation?
We are happy to help you weigh up the pros and cons and guarantee that the installations purchased through our group purchase will be installed in time to still qualify for the green energy certificate scheme.