In Belgium, there is no maximum allowed power. In Belgium
you can therefore install more than 1, 2 or 3 plug & play panels. However, it is the case
that, regardless of the total power of your plug & play solar panel installation,
only a maximum of 800 Watts can be injected into your home network. This
maximum power of 800 W is automatically regulated by the micro-inverter(s)
or home batteries to which your solar panels are connected. The approved
devices are manufactured and configured accordingly.
Belgian regulations aim to facilitate the installation of plug &
play systems, while ensuring safety for users and
compatibility with the electricity grid. Below you will find an overview of
the rules that apply at the time of publication of this guide:
Synergrid approval:
Manufacturers
must have the inverters of plug & play systems approved according to the
technical regulation C10/26. This step confirms that the device meets
the safety requirements and is suitable for connection to the grid.
Compliance with European
standards:
Among other things regarding the CE marking and the
EU declaration of conformity. This proves that the product complies with the European
guidelines regarding safety and electromagnetic compatibility.
Compliance with the General
Regulation on Electrical Installations (AREI)
That these systems
are considered mobile “products”. They therefore do not require certification before
being put into use. However, as a user, you remain responsible for the
safety of your electrical installation. You must choose a device that
meets the standards and, if necessary, have your electrical installation
adjusted.
Urban planning
rules and other provisions:
The same rules as for traditional installations apply. For example: for
a solar kit on a balcony, it is advisable to contact the urban planning service
of your municipality and the homeowners' association.
Is there
a maximum permitted power?
At the time of writing, there is
still no legally established power limit in Belgium. In
Flanders, a limit of 800 W is being discussed, based on the recommendation of the
European Commission – which is, however, not binding.
Registration
of the plug & play device with the distribution network operator (DNB):
In Flanders, the registration obligations for plug
& play systems with Fluvius will be completed by April 2025. If the capacity of
your total installation is ≥ 800 W, registration is mandatory within 30 days of
taking it into use. If you add a plug & play system to an already registered
installation, you are required to report this as soon as the total capacity exceeds 800 W.
For a < 800 W device, it depends on what type of
electricity meter you have at home. If you have a digital meter, it is not mandatory to register your
plug & play solar panels via MijnFluvius, but it is strongly recommended to
receive a feed-in tariff more quickly. If you have an electromechanical meter
(or analogue meter), you must register your plug &
play device within 30 days of the first use, even if it is < 800 W. Afterwards, a digital meter will be installed. While waiting for this replacement,
a prosumer rate will be applied. In Brussels, registration is mandatory for all capacities: plug &
play solar panels must be registered within 30 days of installation. When moving a
device, you should verify the registration obligations of the local DSO for both the
old and the new address as they may vary by region (in Wallonia, registration of plug & play is mandatory for
all capacities).
End
of life:
According to Belgian regulations regarding the take-back obligation
for electrical and electronic devices, manufacturers, importers, or
distributors are responsible for collecting discarded devices and ensuring the
circular processing of their components (recycling,
reuse, etc.). For solar panels, this is done through PV Cycle Belgium, for
batteries through Bebat.
Plug & play systems are easy to use,
but subject to clearer regulations. For correct information, you can
turn to the competent authorities such as Synergrid, the energy regulators or your
regional administration.
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