Source: vecernji.hr
The Solar Revolution at the Doorstep: New Regulations and Batteries Will Change Everything in 2026
It’s important to highlight that the new rules will not apply to existing solar power users — they will continue to benefit from the net metering system for the next ten years from the date their solar plant was put into permanent operation.
Starting January 1, 2026, Croatia will implement new rules for the use of residential solar power systems. The current net metering model — where households could “store” surplus energy in the grid and use it later without additional cost — will be phased out. Instead, excess energy will be sold to the grid at buyback rates, while energy drawn from the grid will be charged at full price, including network fees.
At first glance, this may seem like a disadvantage, but it’s actually a step toward a more modern and efficient way of using solar energy — one that has long been standard in Western Europe. This shift will bring Croatia closer to European practices, where the combination of solar power systems and battery storage is already the norm. This is the next phase in the energy transition: maximizing the use of self-generated electricity and increasing energy independence.
The key change is that battery storage systems will become an increasingly essential part of every solar power setup. They allow households to store excess energy produced during the day and use it in the evening or during peak demand periods.
Existing Users and Those Who Join by the End of 2025 – No Changes
It’s important to note that the new rules will not apply to existing solar system users — they will continue to use the current net metering model for ten years from the date their system was put into permanent operation.
The same applies to anyone who obtains a Connection Feasibility Notification from HEP ODS by December 31, 2025.
In other words, households that install a solar system by the end of 2025 will be part of the current system of calculating energy surpluses and continue to enjoy the benefits of net metering. That’s why many experts believe the second half of 2025 is the perfect time to invest.
What’s Coming in 2026?
For households installing solar systems after January 1, 2026, the new rules don’t mean the end of profitability, but rather the beginning of a new phase in which technologies like battery systems will play a central role. Instead of feeding excess energy into the grid, the focus will increasingly shift toward storing self-produced energy and using it when the household needs it most. This gives users greater independence from the grid and better control over their consumption.
This approach is especially welcome at a time when electricity prices are rising, while self-production remains stable and predictable. Solar power systems will continue to offer long-term savings since they produce energy for decades after installation, backed by extended warranties and insurance.
It’s also important to emphasize that choosing quality equipment becomes even more crucial under the new system. Microinverters stand out in particular — unlike central inverters, these are installed individually on each solar panel. This setup allows each panel to operate independently, improving safety and efficiency while also making future system expansion easier. If a household later decides to add more panels or integrate battery storage, it can do so without major modifications.
A Trusted Provider with Proven Technology
In the Croatian market, ENNA Next is well known for its use of microinverter technology, with over 3,000 solar systems sold and more than 150 upgrades completed. Their systems are fully compatible with battery storage technology and come with a 25-year equipment warranty and 10 years of insurance against natural disasters. This gives buyers peace of mind and long-term value — essential for an investment that spans decades.
At ENNA Next, they advise customers to carefully examine what is being offered — from the technology and customer support to the reputation and reliability of the provider.
This content was created in collaboration with the ENNA Group.