On April 29 and May 1, The Sustainable Boys organized two well-attended and inspiring information evenings on self-consumption in the atmospheric Business Lounge of the Fortuna Sittard Stadium.
With a view of the field, snacks and drinks within reach and a strong line-up of speakers, visitors were brought up to speed on how to stay in control in this rapidly changing energy market. The central question of the evening: how do you ensure that you actually use as much of your own generated solar energy as possible?
The Sustainable Boys kicked off
After a brief introduction and powerful brand video, Wilco of De Duurzame Jongens explained what visitors could expect: clear explanations of current energy topics, concrete solutions and room for questions. The tone was immediately set: the energy landscape is changing rapidly, with a lot of noise and confusion in the media. Time for clarity!
1. Vaillant – The heat pump as a silent force
Speaker: Patrick van de Wilweg, technical project consultant at Vaillant
Patrick took us into the world of heat pumpsand their role in making homes more sustainable. Vaillant – active in the heating industry for 150 years – develops quiet, efficient heat pumps that work perfectly with solar panels and other sustainable systems.
Some highlights:
- Vaillant is a market leader with 150 years of experience in heating systems.
- 3 of the 5 central heating boilers in the consumer top service are from Vaillant.
- All central heating boilers today are hybrid and can be combined with heat pumps.
- Heat pumps from Vaillant are whisper quiet, efficient and smartly controlled with AI technology via an app.
- Energy distribution in an average home: 60% heating, 20% hot water, 20% electricity. 60% of energy consumption goes into home heating: so there is a lot to be gained here.
- Smart apps and AI provide optimal matching to your home and behavior.
- A new design upgrade from white to stylish anthracite will follow in 2026.
His message: combine smart technology with sustainable generation to really make a difference in energy consumption and comfort.
“Heating is the biggest energy guzzler in the home.”
2. Enphase – The home battery as the hub of your home
Speaker: Kay Crombag, account manager at Enphase
Kay enthusiastically explained why a home battery will become essential towards 2027, when the net-metering scheme will be abolished. His talk provided insight into how the power grid works, why consumption peaks are such a problem, and how we can use home batteries to relieve the grid and reduce our own bills. The next step is to store and use energy smartly.
Key points:
- The power grid is complex and always in balance: supply and demand must match 24/7.
- Solar panels are great, but they provide power mostly during the day – exactly when you don’t use much at home.
- Offsetting masks the problem: we use the grid now as a free battery, but that is finite.
- In 2027, net-metering stops. Those without a battery by then are at the mercy of the market.
- Home battery = buffer, independence and smart switch between solar and home.
- 3.5 million households in the Netherlands with solar panels: great, but the power grid is cracking.
- Self-consumption can increase from 30% to 70% with a home battery.
- Enphase batteries are modular, smart and quickly rechargeable.
- Using dynamic energy pricing makes it possible to store power when it is cheap and use it when it is expensive.
- “What’s the return?” is the wrong question. It’s about security, independence and control over your own energy.
- In the end, it’s all about: “What is the value of independence to you?”
His belief: the battery is becoming the new heart of the home. Not only for storage, but also for smart switching with dynamic energy prices.
“You are not buying a return, but direction.”
3. Sunergy – Dynamic energy as a fair and smart choice
Speaker: Vincent van Rozendaal, founder of Sunergy
With a good dose of humor and industry experience, Vincent showed how dynamic energy contracts and smart steering are the next step in energy management. His story was about fair tariffs, transparency and the need to make conscious choices.
Key points:
- Sunergy does not provide a product, but energy management and insight.
- Congestion (gridlock) is a structural problem.
- Canyon curve and duck curve: supply and demand diverge.
- Solar and wind are making energy prices more dynamic than ever.
- Off-peak hours no longer exist – we live in sunshine hours.
- The price per day varies considerably; so smart shopping pays off.
- Energy tax (about 33 cents) is also an issue with feed-in.
- Dynamic contract: no feed-in charges, billing at exchange prices, energy tax netted (13 cents/kWh), terminable monthly.
- SmartRik: brand-independent control of solar, battery, EV and just in time.
- App shows real-time consumption and savings, in a user-friendly way.
- Via The Sustainable Boys: 2 years of the SlimmeRik app for free.
- Fair message: In winter, self-consumption is harder – that’s when smart shopping becomes important. Self-consumption doesn’t work all year, so steer smart.
- Dynamic = moving with the grid and your wallet.
His motto: Let technology work for you and stay in control yourself.
“Doing nothing is the most expensive option.”
4. The Sustainable Boys – Total partner for now and the future
Wilco closed with the connecting factor: The Sustainable Boys bring everything together. From heat pump to home battery and dynamic energy contract, the power lies in combining and matching smart solutions. Everything tailored to the personal situation and wishes of the client.
Important extras:
- 10% discount for a quote request after the evening.
- Possibility of installment payment (30%-50%-20%) or 3% discount for full payment in advance.
- Support with grant applications and sustainability loans through National Heat Fund and SVM, among others.
- Focus on knowledge and quality, personal service and social impact.
“Energy with a smile!”
The evening ended with a Q&A session, in which visitors actively participated and engaged in conversation together. The atmosphere remained friendly and engaged, while enjoying a snack and a drink. Many attendees went home with new insights – and some even with a concrete plan or offer in their pockets.
In summary:
Preserving is not a one-size-fits-all. But with the right knowledge, products and guidance, you can get a big step further. This evening clearly demonstrated: those who invest in self-consumption, invest in freedom, comfort and control over their own energy.
The solutions are there. Now the trick is: combining everything intelligently. And The Sustainable Boys are happy to help you with that!
On behalf of the entire team: thank you for coming and great conversations.
