From 1 January 2024, Walloon residences with roof-installed photovoltaic panels will lose access to the compensation system of the reverse running meter.
The PV panels must be installed and approved by 31 December 2023 for households to qualify, according to L'Echo. If approved, the meter runs backwards until 31 December 2030. Amid the energy crisis in September 2022, there was a surge in demand for PV panels, with delays of up to 10 months between signing a contract and installation.
Installation and approval deadlines may vary among contractors
Now, the delay is 5-8 weeks, but this could extend in September with the anticipated end-year rush due to closing window. The approval of PV systems involves a visit from an approved body, where the system’s conformity with standard regulations is checked. This visit needs to occur by 29 December 2023.
Guidelines differ for receipts among various installers. While some work closely with a control body to block dates for approval, others rely on a case-by-case basis. Necessary installations to acquire the meter run are expected to occur latest by 15 December 2023.
Installation costs have also declined, with an average now at 7,500 euros for an average installation. On the other hand, newly constructed houses, that previously benefited from a reduced VAT rate of 6% on PV installations, will now face 21% VAT from 1 January 2024.
