As Ecoways, we provide a complete range of on-site energy solutions, from small wind turbines to solar panels and battery storage. Solar panels are an excellent complement to a small wind turbine, especially in the summer months. In many cases, the best results come from a mix of roughly ⅔ wind and ⅓ solar.
Even with subsidy changes, solar panels remain a strong and future-proof investment for your business.
On this page, we answer some of the most common questions we receive.
Solar panels generate a lot of affordable energy when the sun is high in the sky. But with solar alone, it’s not possible to become fully self-sufficient in energy. That’s where wind comes in.
A small wind turbine produces power throughout the year, though naturally somewhat less in summer. Solar does the opposite, more in summer, less in winter.
This makes wind and solar the ideal combination, as the graph below shows.
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How many solar panels do I need?
In the Netherlands, we distinguish between:- Small consumers (kleinverbruikers): up to 3x80A
- Large consumers (grootverbruikers): above 3x80A
Small consumers may feed unlimited solar power back to the grid until 2027.
How many panels you need depends on your business’s power consumption, as well as future plans, such as installing infrared heating, a milking robot, EV chargers, or switching to LED lighting.
When we advise on a solar installation, we look at:
- your available roof space
- your current energy use
- the orientation and strength of the roof structure
Are solar panels still cost-effective?
Short answer: yes.
Modern solar panels deliver higher efficiency and last longer, making them a solid long-term investment. New technologies — like bifacial panels that capture light from both sides — increase output even further. Smart monitoring tools give you real-time insights, and installation has become faster and more cost-efficient.
Even with subsidies being phased out, solar panels remain financially attractive because of:
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Lower energy bills from direct self-consumption
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Tax advantages such as EIA, KIA, and Vamil
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Business feed-in tariffs, even without net-metering
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Protection against rising energy prices
The payback period depends on your usage, roof size, the number of panels, panel type, and roof type. For most businesses, the payback period is between 3 and 6 years.
Choose quality - it pays off.
Choosing the right panels can be challenging. Not all panels on the market meet the same quality standards. That’s why we work with A-brand manufacturers and trusted suppliers.
Typical guarantees:
- 10–12 years product warranty
- 25-year performance warranty
- 5–12 years inverter warranty (Ecoways mainly installs SolarEdge inverters, with a 12-year warranty)
We also make sure installations meet Dutch certification and safety standards. That way, you’re guaranteed a reliable, high-quality system.
Recent projects.
Many businesses have already chosen Ecoways for their solar installation. Here are two recent examples:
Intermediair Groep Holland (IGH).
IGH, a specialist broker in flower bulbs and plants, recently installed a solar system.
In 2024, the expected energy savings are around 60% (excluding net-metering), a strong example of how quickly solar pays off.
Snijder.
Snijder, a specialist rental company based in Hoorn for earthmoving equipment, installed an advanced solar system. The early results are impressive, even before spring.
Ecoways developed the project, handled the subsidy application, negotiated with the grid operator, and managed the work required to secure the SDE subsidy.
What is the best energy mix for my business?
Every business is different. That’s why we always start with a location analysis.
If your site is suitable, we’ll visit you for an advisory meeting. Together, we’ll look at your business operations and energy profile and determine the best mix of wind, solar, and storage to future-proof your company.
