To accelerate the adoption of renewable energy, the Belgian government has announced that all plug-and-play solar devices (e.g., balcony PV systems, small mobile batteries) must obtain Synergrid certification (C10/26 standard) to legally connect to the grid starting April 17, 2025. This policy marks a significant milestone in Belgium’s distributed energy sector, offering households and small businesses a more flexible green energy solution.
Policy Core: Certification and Technical Requirements
According to documents released by Synergrid, Belgium’s energy association, the legalization process follows three phases:
-October 17, 2024: Applications for C10/26 certification open, with the publication of revised technical prescription C10/11 (Edition 2.3).
-March 17, 2025: The first list of certified devices will be published.
-April 17, 2025: Certified devices gain official grid access, and the revised technical prescription takes effect.
Key certification requirements include:
-Safety Isolation System: Devices must feature built-in or external automatic disconnection mechanisms to ensure rapid shutdown during grid faults (compliant with C10/11 §7.5).
-Clear Inverter Labeling: Fixed-connection and plug-and-play versions of the same inverter model must be distinguished by unique product codes.
-Energy Storage Compatibility: Inverters supporting battery connections must meet additional safety standards for energy storage (e.g., hybrid inverters).
-Regulatory Compliance: CE certification under EU regulations and adherence to Belgium’s General Regulations for Electrical Installations (GREI). Manufacturers must also provide detailed safety guidelines and operation manuals.
Market Impact: Accelerating Distributed Energy Adoption
The policy directly benefits the following sectors:
-Households: Balcony PV systems and small batteries can be easily connected via standard sockets, reducing installation costs.
-Electric Vehicles: Bidirectional vehicle chargers can participate in grid peak-shaving, enhancing energy efficiency.
-Temporary Power Scenarios: Mobile generators for construction sites or events face lower compliance barriers.
-Synergrid emphasized that the regulation balances innovation and safety: “Standardized certification encourages technological advancement while ensuring absolute safety for users and the grid.”
Opportunities for Industry Players
For businesses targeting the European market, this policy presents:
-First-Mover Advantage: Belgian manufacturers can prioritize Synergrid certification to secure early market entry.
-Product Optimization: Developing cost-effective, user-friendly plug-and-play solutions to align with policy incentives.
-Targeted Marketing: Leveraging government subsidies and regulatory tailwinds to promote solar adoption.
Extended Impact: A Coordinated EU Energy Transition
Belgium's policy aligns with broader European renewable energy initiatives, forming a interconnected distributed energy network across the EU:
-Lithuania: Offers €204 subsidies per 0.8kW system (since 2024), driving 65% growth in residential solar adoption.
-Germany: Plans to include plug-and-play devices in its 2025 tax relief program, creating market synergy.
This policy convergence positions the Benelux region as a testing ground for standardized renewable solutions. As noted by an EU Energy Commissioner: "The Belgian model could inform the 2026 European Solar Charter, establishing best practices for member states."