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Tuesday, March 26, 2024

SolarAccess, ABN AMRO partnership brings solar panels to Dutch businesses for free

SolarAccess and ABN AMRO are teaming up to help businesses generate solar energy with no capital required up front.

Businesses participating in the program will have solar panels installed on their roofs, using the power generated for their own needs or sending it back into the power grid. Any company that wants to save money on electric bills can sign a contract for the solar program and pay less than market price for electricity.

ABN AMRO and SolarAccess will own the panels and arrange for financing, installation and upkeep. After 16 years, the companies will get to keep the panels for free. The panels are expected to last 25 years.

The solar partnership works thanks to a subsidy from the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs.

"The idea is to offer companies a cost-effective way of improving their sustainability performances without requiring any capital outlay on their part," Rutger van Nouhuijs of ABN AMRO said. "The unused rooftop square meters will be put to use to bring about the necessary transition toward solar power and help us create a sustainable business sector in the Netherlands." 

ABN AMRO and SolarAccess take care of the entire process from site management and permit preparation to installation and maintenance. The rooftop must be at least 53,819.55 square feet in order to participate.

"We’re pleased to join forces with ABN AMRO to help companies realize their sustainability targets," Frans van Schoor, CEO of SolarAccess said. "This initiative brings together the knowledge and expertise of SolarAccess with ABN AMRO’s financial knowhow and network to support the business community. It offers companies a cost-effective path toward sustainable energy, without the usual maintenance costs or financial and technical risks."