Taking Advantage of Solar Rebates in Switzerland
Switzerland has set ambitious renewable energy goals, including increasing solar power capacity, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and nuclear power. Financial incentives play a key role in driving the adoption of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to help meet national clean energy targets.
This article provides an overview of the main national solar incentive programs available to homeowners, businesses and organizations looking to install solar panels in Switzerland. The aim is to explain current opportunities to receive subsidies and rebates for going solar nationwide.
Overview of National Solar Incentives for Switzerland
The Swiss federal government offers several incentives nationwide to support the installation of solar PV systems on buildings. The main national programs are:
One-time investment contributions (Einmalvergütung or EIV)
This subsidy covers up to 30% of costs for systems under 100 kW (KLEIV) and larger systems (GREIV). Rates depend on size, installation type, and orientation angle. Vertical facades get higher rates. Building owners apply through Pronovo after installation. Payout takes 1-2 years.
High one-time remuneration (HEIV)
Systems up to 150 kW without self-consumption get up to 60% subsidies. Over 150 kW, rates are set by auctions.
Feed-in remuneration
PV system owners can get paid a fixed rate of around 8-28 cts/kWh for excess power fed into the grid, depending on system size. Grid operators must purchase.
Additional solar PV incentives in Switzerland:
- Income tax deductions for system costs, except in the cantons Luzern and Graubünden
- Neigungswinkel bonus for steep-angled panels ≥75°
- Exemptions from certain grid fees for self-consumed solar power
- Höhenbonus for systems ≥150 kW above 1500m elevation
In 2023, around 600 million CHF will be allocated for EIV contributions, ensuring continued federal support. Cantons like Zürich, Basel and Geneva offer additional incentives.
Switzerland has streamlined the application process and ensured ready funding through Pronovo, making it easy and attractive for households and businesses to adopt solar power.
Key steps for the subsidies application process:
- Installation can begin before applying
- Apply to Pronovo after completing installation
- Receive subsidy payment 1-2 years later
The subsidy rate depends on system size and type. On average, small systems get around 450 CHF per kW installed, covering 25-30% of costs.
To estimate potential subsidies, consumers can use Pronovo’s online subsidy calculator or contact experienced solar installers like PG Solar for guidance on maximizing incentives.
Cantonal and Municipal Solar Incentive Programs
Subsidies and policies for solar power can vary significantly across Switzerland’s 26 cantons and thousands of municipalities. Some regions offer additional incentives atop national subsidies to promote local solar adoption.
Several cantons and cities provide the most generous solar support programs:
Solar PV subsidies in Zürich
Offers both upfront investment contributions covering 10% of costs before installation, as well as guaranteed higher feed-in remuneration rates for 15 years – 50-100% above national average rates. Systems must be properly registered.
Solar PV subsidies in Basel
Up to 40% subsidies on total solar PV system costs, exceeding national subsidy rates: very solar-friendly building codes and streamlined permitting.
Solar PV subsidies in Geneva
Also has high investment subsidies covering around 30% of costs—additional bonuses if combining solar PV with a heat pump or EV charging.
Solar PV subsidies in Bern
Mandates solar PV on new public buildings. It also has a solar contracting program allowing citizens to invest in shared systems.
Solar PV subsidies in Lausanne
Passed stringent solar requirements for new construction. It also subsidizes energy storage to incentivize self-consumption.
Solar PV subsidies in Luzern
Provides free consulting to developers on optimally integrating solar PV into buildings and sites.
Solar PV subsidies in Zug
No cantonal subsidies, but has the highest solar adoption rate due to private sector innovation and its use as a tax optimization strategy.
Solar PV subsidies in other regions and municipalities
Smaller regions like Jura canton also lead in solar thanks to proactive policies – Jura pays feed-in tariffs 2-3x the national rate.
Several municipalities, including Winterthur, Baden, and Thun, have introduced solar mandates for new construction. This requires installing PV systems in many cases.
Basel leads in making solar accessible to renters and apartment dwellers through:
- “Contracting” programs where residents pay a solar provider for onsite power.
- Multi-family solar cooperatives that allow shared investment in larger systems.
- Easing bureaucracy for installing PV systems on rental buildings.
The cities of Zurich, Geneva, and Lausanne also have innovative community solar programs allowing households to buy shares in larger solar systems and get credits on their utility bills.
While national policies set a consistent base incentive level, solar-friendly cantons and cities offer additional attractive subsidies, mandates, and creative programs to enable broader solar adoption. Municipal support will continue evolving to meet local clean energy goals.
Incentives Make Solar Affordable in Switzerland
In summary, Switzerland provides a range of national and regional incentives that make adopting solar PV systems more affordable for households and businesses. The federal government offers consistent base-level subsidies, while more solar-friendly cantons and municipalities provide additional attractive rebates, streamlined permitting, and creative programs like shared solar projects.
Continued Solar Policy Development Expected
With national and local governments setting ambitious renewable energy and emissions reduction targets, subsidies and promotional policies will likely continue evolving to incentivize further solar PV expansion in the future. Upcoming policy developments to watch include potential solar mandates for new construction and heightened feed-in tariff rates.
Find Out About Local Solar Incentives
Interested consumers and businesses can check with local energy agencies, such as Swissolar or the Swiss Federal Office of Energy, for further information on solar incentives available in their area. Working with a reputable solar installer can also help navigate the incentives landscape.
Go Solar with PG Solar
PG Solar provides consultancy and project management for residential solar photovoltaic installations, battery storage, and EV charging in Switzerland. We guide homeowners through every step of the journey to solar energy independence thanks to our expertise and quality service. By leveraging the attractive national and cantonal solar incentives available today, our customers can make sustainable energy upgrades that provide reliable returns for decades while reducing environmental impact. Reach out to learn more about how going solar can pay off both financially and environmentally.