Plug and play: small, mobile solar panels and home batteries starting from April 2025

Requirements for plug-and-play installations

You are not allowed to connect just any plug-and-play device to a power outlet at home. The solar panel or battery must be approved by Synergrid, the federation of Belgian electricity and gas grid operators.

Since November 2024, manufacturers have been able to apply for approval of their plug-and-play devices. This approval process ensures that the devices interact correctly and safely with the distribution grid. This is crucial, for example, in the case of malfunctions or voltage fluctuations on the electricity network.

Approved devices can be found in the C10/26 list, as well as on a separate specific list of certified plug-and-play devices, both published by Synergrid.

In addition, the device must:

• carry a CE marking, indicating that it complies with European regulations on safety, health and environmental protection;
• comply with the general provisions of the AREI (General Regulation on Electrical Installations), which includes requirements regarding connection, protection, and technical specifications.

Notification requirement with Fluvius

Every installation must be reported to Fluvius, the grid operator responsible for the electricity network in Flanders. This notification must be submitted within 30 days after the device is first put into use.

This reporting requirement is logical, as the addition of new energy sources can impact the stability of the grid. Fluvius needs to be able to monitor who is generating energy and where, in order to ensure optimal management of the network.

Apartments and terraces: additional rules

Residents of apartment buildings or individuals who wish to install solar panels on their terrace must take into account additional considerations:

• Municipal regulations: Just as there are rules for installing satellite dishes, municipalities may impose specific requirements for the installation of mobile solar panels. These can include restrictions regarding placement, visibility from the street, and compliance with local safety regulations. It is therefore important to check the applicable local rules in advance.
   
• Building regulations (deed of co-ownership and co-ownership rules): In apartment buildings, it is crucial to consult the rules of the Association of Co-owners and the internal building regulations. For installations that affect common areas (e.g., façades or rooftops) or the visual unity of the building, prior approval from the co-owners may be required. There are very specific procedures if you, as an individual owner, wish to request use of common areas. Additionally, the Association of Co-owners may also decide on the use of private areas. Simply installing a plug-in panel without approval can therefore be quite risky.