Founded in 2015, Vrijopnaam has been a pioneer in delivering 100% solar energy and CO2-compensated gas to its customers. The company is best known for its ‘Paneelopnaam’ concept, which allows individuals to own a piece of a solar park and benefit from its energy production. Fora nominal fee, customers can purchase a panel generating 250 W, which they own for nine years, enabling them to produce their own solar energy and contribute to the renewable energy transition.
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To incentivize participation, Vrijopnaam guarantees a minimum annual yield of 250 kWh per panel, which is then deducted from the customer’s energy bill. Vrijopnaam partnered with Exide Technologies’ Customized Energy Systems (CES), which brought its expertise in advanced energy solutions, particularly in energy storage and grid support. Together, they developed a bespoke solution that integrates solar energy into the existing grid while optimizing energy use.
Leverage both generation and storage – for small consumers
The system stabilizes fluctuations in solar power generation, providing a consistently reliable energy supply. It also offers both ‘in-front-of-themeter’ and ‘behind-the-meter’ capabilities. The former sends power through a meter before it reaches its destination, while the latter supplies energy for on-site use without passing through a meter. This setup gives customers more control over their energy consumption while also allowing better integration with the grid.
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With the installation complete, Vrijopnaam can now leverage both generation and storage, as parts of its assets to provide energy to small consumers. Bas Wijnen, founder and co-owner ofVrijopnaam, said: “We chose Customized Energy Systems to be our installation partner for this project because, with the liquid-cooled energy storage system Solition Mega Three, they offered the most innovative solution.”
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Jeroen van Hapert, Sales Director CES, said: “Our partnership with Vrijopnaam has demonstrated how Customized Energy Systems’ innovative solutions, particularly in energy storage and grid management, can drive meaningful progress in the renewable energy sector. Together, we have overcome operational challenges, and Vrijopnaam and Dutch citizens are now able to benefit from this sustainability drive.” (hcn)
