You can register your plug-and-play devices via My Fluvius from Wednesday 23 April at 1 p.m.
Plug-and-play devices are allowed on our electricity grid. You plug these plug-in solar panels or plug-in batteries into your socket to generate or store electricity. They are easy to use, but there are a few rules attached to them. This is how we ensure safe and optimal use.
What should I pay attention to when purchasing plug-and-play devices?
- The most important point to consider when purchasing plug panels or batteries is that the device is homologated via Synergrid .
- The P1 port of your digital meter may be used as an information source for smart controls, but according to Belgian law it cannot fulfil a security function.
- Please note that your device bears the CE marking, which shows that your device has been evaluated and complies with European standards for safety, health and environmental protection.
- If in doubt, consult an installer to check whether the circuit of the socket into which you are plugging the installation can handle the load and whether it is safe to use your appliance.
- Consult your Association of Co-Owners (VME, for apartment buildings), city or municipality to see if there are any additional regulations. In some cases, they may impose restrictions on the use of plug-and-play devices.
Plug-and-play devices with a digital meter
Registering plug-in solar panels in My Fluvius is not mandatory, but we advise you to always register your plug-and-play devices. This makes it easier to receive your feed-in compensation more quickly. If you do not register them, you risk having to wait longer until we register that you are injecting surpluses. If your device has a capacity of 800 Watt or higher, you are required to register your device in My Fluvius within 30 days .
In addition, the rules and limits for fixed installations continue to apply, including for plug-and-play devices or combinations thereof. So if you choose a plug-and-play device on top of an already reported fixed installation, you must report that plug-in solar panel or plug-in battery in any case if the capacity of your total installation is 800 Watt or more.
Plug-and-play devices with an analogue meter
If you have an analogue meter, you must register your plug-and-play devices within 30 days of first use, regardless of the capacity of your device. We will then install a digital meter so that you can benefit from an injection compensation. Pending the installation of the digital meter, we charge the prosumer tariff based on the capacity of the plug-and-play device.
In addition, the rules and limits for fixed installations continue to apply, including for plug-and-play devices or combinations thereof. So if you choose a plug-and-play device on top of an already reported fixed installation, you must report that plug-in solar panel or plug-in battery anyway.
Can I use plug-and-play devices as a full-fledged solar panel or battery?
Yes, just like with fixed installations solar panels or batteries you can inject power towards your internal installation or to the distribution network. In order to benefit from injection tariffs you must always register your installation via My Fluvius, even if the registration limit of 800 Watt is not exceeded or you have a digital meter.
Are plug and play devices safe?
The Synergrid homologation procedure ensures that these devices work correctly and safely with the distribution network, including in the event of disruptions to the electricity network. That is why it is mandatory to use only homologated devices that are on the Synergrid list in Belgium.
Of course, every electrical appliance must comply with European regulations, including a CE marking and an EU declaration of conformity. In addition, it must also comply with the general provisions of the AREI on electrical equipment connected to an electrical installation (see AREI book 1, Section 1.4.2 Electrical equipment, and Section 5.1.3 Conformity with standards). When connecting and using such a plug-and-play appliance, you must always follow the manufacturer's instructions for use and safety regulations.
If you are unsure whether your internal installation is suitable for connecting such a device, it is best to contact an installer.
Do I need to have my internal installation re-inspected after connecting a plug-and-play device?
According to the AREI (General Regulations on Electrical Installations), these plug-and-play devices are considered as an appliance. They are therefore not part of the (fixed) electrical installation and you do not have to have your internal installation (re)inspected.
If you make adjustments to your electrical installation in order to install such a plug-and-play device, the inspection obligation follows the AREI, which describes when an inspection is necessary.
For more information, please visit the website of Fluvius , the Flemish Utility Regulator and the Flemish government .