The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has observed a growing interest among consumers in home batteries, particularly among households with solar panels looking to avoid feed-in costs for solar energy. Home batteries can facilitate the energy transition by storing self-generated solar power for later use, but they are complex products that require careful consideration before purchase.

ACM advises consumers against making hasty decisions based on unsolicited sales calls or advertisements, including those on social media. It is essential for potential buyers to research various models and prices thoroughly to make informed choices.

Moreover, ACM has noted that many providers of home batteries tend to present overly optimistic views of their economic viability in promotional materials. Given the volatility of energy markets, past energy prices may not accurately predict future trends, and the potential earnings from home batteries could diminish as more households adopt them.

Additionally, some providers offer home batteries bundled with loans, which raises concerns for consumers. ACM warns that those who finance their purchase through loans should be cautious, as there is no guarantee that the earnings from the home battery will cover the loan repayments.

Consumers facing issues related to unsolicited telemarketing or other problems when purchasing home batteries are encouraged to report their experiences through ACM’s consumer information portal, ACM ConsuWijzer.