Belgium will allow plug-in solar panels and batteries to connect to the grid starting May 2025, marking a major shift in energy use. This new rule will enable more households to easily integrate solar energy with mobile, plug-and-play devices.
A Major Shift in Belgium’s Energy Landscape
Belgium is on the verge of a significant shift in its energy landscape. Synergrid — a federation of transmission and distribution system operators — plans to permit plug-in solar panels and batteries to connect to the grid starting May 2025.
This new rule will revolutionize how Belgians access and use solar energy at home. It marks a major step towards making renewable energy more accessible and user-friendly for households across the country.
Synergrid — representing Belgium's electricity and gas transmission and distribution operators — will soon allow the deployment of mobile, plug-and-play solar panels and batteries.
Plug-and-play solar panels
These devices function like standard household appliances and can be purchased from common retailers. This move opens the door for many more households to integrate solar energy into their daily lives without the need for extensive installation processes.
Amendments to C10/11 Rule
Currently, Belgium’s C10/11 rule — which outlines technical requirements for electricity generation installations connected to the grid — does not permit plug-in devices. This rule will be amended to accommodate the new type of equipment.
A public consultation on the modification began earlier this year. In July, the revised C10/11 was submitted to Belgium’s regional energy regulators — VREG, CWaPE, and Brugel — for review and approval. The amendment aims to balance innovation with safety and grid stability.
Synergrid anticipates that once the regulators approve the changes, the new version of C10/11 will be published by November. The revised rule will come into effect six months later, in May 2025. Manufacturers will then be able to have their plug-in devices certified by Synergrid.
This certification will ensure that these devices meet all Belgian regulations for grid connection. The approved equipment will also include safety features such as automatic disconnection during power outages, enhancing reliability and protecting users.
Plug-in Solar Panels: Impact on Belgium’s Solar Energy Market
“Manufacturers, importers, and distributors must ensure their devices are safe and come with clear operating instructions,” said Synergrid. “Users need to be informed about the risks, especially when multiple devices are plugged into the same socket.”
Belgium’s move to allow plug-in solar panels and batteries reflects its growing commitment to renewable energy. By the end of 2023, Belgium’s installed solar capacity had surpassed 10 GW.
Analysts estimate that an additional 337 MW of new solar capacity was added in the first half of 2024. Despite a relatively stable residential market, this regulatory change is expected to stimulate further growth in solar adoption, thereby supporting Belgium’s climate and energy goals.
The introduction of plug-in solar panels and batteries offers a convenient way for households to harness solar energy without complex installations. It simplifies the process of integrating renewable energy into homes, making it more accessible to a broader range of people.
New Standards for Residential Solar Energy Systems
As Belgium prepares for this shift, both consumers and manufacturers should stay informed about the new regulations. The upcoming changes in the C10/11 rule will set new standards for residential solar energy systems and contribute to the country’s sustainability goals.
Belgium’s decision to permit plug-in solar panels and batteries represents a significant step towards increasing solar energy adoption. This regulatory update not only aligns with Belgium’s renewable energy targets, but also provides a practical solution for individuals looking to contribute to a greener future.
With new regulations set to take effect in May 2025, households will soon be able to take advantage of these user-friendly, plug-and-play systems. This development is poised to enhance Belgium’s renewable energy infrastructure and make it easier for individuals to participate in the transition to sustainable energy.