Claim back the VAT on solar panels in time

The VAT refund scheme for solar panels has been in place since 2013, but until recently, there was no deadline for submitting an application. This changed effective January 1, 2019. The VAT must now be reclaimed from the tax authorities no later than six months after the end of the calendar year in which the solar panels were purchased. This means you can submit a refund application for solar panels purchased in 2018 no later than June 30, 2019.

Homeowners who miss the six-month deadline can still submit an ex officio request for VAT refund for five years. However, the Dutch Homeowners' Association (Vereniging Eigen Huis) recommends not taking this step, as this step involves a lot of paperwork and offers no certainty. With an ex officio request, you will need to provide a solid justification for why the application was not submitted on time. For example, by proving that the solar panels were purchased in 2016, but that it later turned out that your roof needed renovation first, meaning the panels could not be installed until 2018. An ex officio request may be rejected by the tax authorities.

For almost every solar system, it's worthwhile to reclaim VAT from the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration. As a private homeowner, you'll first need to register with the agency as a business owner, as you'll be selling some of the solar energy you generate to the grid operator. This can be done simply by completing a form – solar panel owner declaration – on the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration's website. Afterward, you'll file your VAT return.

Incidentally, the average homeowner doesn't have much to worry about regarding their business status. The amount of electricity returned is almost certainly insufficient to be subject to VAT. Meanwhile, you'll benefit from the hundreds of euros you receive back from the government, as you're helping to achieve environmental goals. Want to know if your home is suitable for solar panels? Request a professional inspection .

The cost of a building inspection (up to 250 m²) is only €489 including VAT. We'll conduct a comprehensive building inspection and you'll receive a building report. Do you have any questions? We're happy to help and can schedule an appointment with an expert inspector right away if you wish!