Policy Context & Overview
Short Answer: The ISDE subsidy helps Dutch households cover the cost of insulation and high-efficiency heat pumps to accelerate the transition away from natural gas.
The Investeringssubsidie Duurzame Energie en Energiebesparing (ISDE) is a key Dutch government subsidy managed by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). Under the national Climate Agreement, the Netherlands aims to make 1.5 million homes gas-free by 2030. The ISDE scheme is designed to lower the financial barriers for residential property owners investing in insulation, hybrid or all-electric heat pumps, solar water heaters, and connections to sustainable heat networks.
Subsidy Tiers & Double Measure Bonus
The ISDE rebate amount is based on the type of upgrade and the volume of energy saved. The subsidy rate per square meter doubles if you combine two or more insulation measures, or combine insulation with a heat pump:
| Installed Measure | Average Single Measure Subsidy | Double Measure Subsidy (Bonus Rate) |
|---|---|---|
| Cavity Wall Insulation | €4 per m² | €8 per m² |
| Roof Insulation | €15 per m² | €30 per m² |
| HR++ Glass Replacement | €23 per m² | €46 per m² |
| Hybrid Heat Pump (e.g., 4kW) | €1,950 to €2,400 flat rate | Stacks with insulation bonuses |
| All-Electric Heat Pump | €3,000 to €5,100 flat rate | Stacks with insulation bonuses |
Eligibility & Property Requirements
To qualify for the ISDE funding, applicants must satisfy several conditions:
- Ownership: You must be the owner-occupier of the property, and it must be your primary residence.
- Approved Products: Heat pumps and solar water heaters must be listed on the RVO's official approved product registers (Apparatenlijst).
- Professional Installation: Self-installed systems are excluded. The work must be performed by a registered contractor.
- Application Window: You must submit the subsidy application within 24 months of the first measure being installed.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Install Upgrade: Have a registered contractor install the insulation or heat pump. Ensure you take photos of the installation process (required for verification).
- Request Invoices: Collect the final invoice, detailed proof of payment, and the installer's product code (Meldcode) from the RVO list.
- Access RVO Portal: Log in to the official RVO portal using your DigID.
- Submit Details: Input the Meldcode, invoice amount, surface area (in m² for insulation), and upload your installation photos.
- Receive Payment: The RVO reviews the application and transfers the subsidy to your verified bank account within 6 to 8 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is a Meldcode and where do I find it?
- A: A Meldcode is a unique product code generated by the RVO showing that a heat pump or window conforms to the program's efficiency requirements. Ask your installer for the code prior to purchasing the system.
- Q: Can I get a subsidy for solar panels under the ISDE?
- A: No. Since 2023, solar PV panels are excluded from the ISDE for residential properties. Instead, homeowners benefit from a 0% VAT rate on solar panel installations in the Netherlands.