Solar Panels in Switzerland 2025: Complete Cost & Savings Guide

Switzerland's abundant sunshine and generous subsidies make solar energy increasingly attractive for homeowners. With electricity prices rising and installation costs falling, solar panels can now pay for themselves in 10-15 years while reducing your carbon footprint. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about going solar in Switzerland.

Data: December 2024

Solar Panel Costs in Switzerland

Average Installation Costs (2025)

Small Installation (5 kWp - Family Home):

• System size: 5 kWp (approximately 12-15 panels)
• Roof space needed: 25-30 m²
• Total cost: CHF 12,000-16,000
• Cost per kWp: CHF 2,400-3,200

Medium Installation (10 kWp - Larger Home):

• System size: 10 kWp (approximately 25-30 panels)
• Roof space needed: 50-60 m²
• Total cost: CHF 20,000-28,000
• Cost per kWp: CHF 2,000-2,800

Large Installation (15+ kWp):

• System size: 15 kWp (approximately 35-45 panels)
• Roof space needed: 75-90 m²
• Total cost: CHF 28,000-40,000
• Cost per kWp: CHF 1,867-2,667

Costs Include:

• Solar panels
• Inverter
• Mounting system
• Electrical installation
• Connection to grid
• Installation labor
• Permits and documentation

Cost Breakdown Components

Component	Percentage of Total Cost
Solar panels	30-40%
Inverter	10-15%
Mounting hardware	10-15%
Installation labor	25-35%
Planning & permits	5-10%
Other (cables, etc.)	5-10%

Optional Add-Ons

Battery Storage:

• 5 kWh capacity: CHF 5,000-7,000
• 10 kWh capacity: CHF 9,000-13,000
• 15 kWh capacity: CHF 13,000-18,000
• Increases self-consumption from 30% to 60-80%

Smart Energy Management System:

• CHF 1,000-2,500
• Optimizes when to use, store, or sell electricity
• Integrates with home appliances

EV Charging Station:

• Basic wallbox: CHF 1,500-2,500
• Smart charging: CHF 2,500-4,000
• Coordinates with solar production

Solar Thermal (Hot Water):

• Combined solar thermal + PV: CHF 18,000-25,000
• Better for hot water than PV alone
• Additional subsidies available

Federal Subsidies and Incentives

One-Time Subsidy (Einmalvergütung - EIV)

How It Works:

• Federal government pays lump sum subsidy
• Covers approximately 20-30% of installation cost
• Paid after installation and inspection
• No ongoing requirements

2025 Subsidy Rates:

System Size	Base Amount	Per kWp
Up to 2 kWp	CHF 1,400	-
2-10 kWp	CHF 1,400	CHF 350/kWp additional
10-30 kWp	CHF 4,200	CHF 270/kWp additional
30-100 kWp	CHF 9,600	CHF 90/kWp additional

Example Calculations:

5 kWp System:

• Base: CHF 1,400
• Additional: 3 kWp x CHF 350 = CHF 1,050
• Total subsidy: CHF 2,450
• Installation cost: CHF 14,000
• Net cost: CHF 11,550

10 kWp System:

• Base: CHF 1,400
• Additional: 8 kWp x CHF 350 = CHF 2,800
• Total subsidy: CHF 4,200
• Installation cost: CHF 24,000
• Net cost: CHF 19,800

Application Process

Steps:

1. Register system on www.pronovo.ch BEFORE installation
2. Wait for confirmation (can take 2-4 weeks)
3. Install solar system
4. Final inspection and documentation
5. Submit completion report
6. Receive payment (2-6 months after completion)

Important: should generally register before installation or subsidy is lost!

Feed-In Tariff (Einspeisevergütung)

How It Works:

• Sell excess electricity back to grid
• Price varies by canton and utility
• Typical rates: CHF 0.06-0.12 per kWh
• Much lower than purchase price (CHF 0.20-0.35)

Better Strategy:

• Maximize self-consumption
• Use electricity when produced
• Store in battery if possible
• Only sell surplus

Cantonal and Municipal Subsidies

Additional Support by Canton

Zurich:

• Additional CHF 500-1,000 for solar installations
• Energy consulting subsidy: CHF 300
• Building renovation bonus if combined

Bern:

• Up to CHF 30,000 for comprehensive energy renovation
• Solar included in total calculation
• should generally improve building energy rating

Vaud:

• CHF 800-2,000 additional cantonal support
• Higher subsidies for historic buildings
• Priority for solar + renovation combinations

Geneva:

• Up to CHF 12,000 for solar installations
• Generous battery storage subsidies
• Streamlined permit process

Aargau:

• CHF 400-800 per kWp (in addition to federal)
• Maximum CHF 10,000 per building
• Fast approval process

Basel-Stadt:

• Up to CHF 2,500 additional subsidy
• Solar obligation for new buildings
• Free energy consulting

Valais:

• Mountain region bonuses
• Higher feed-in tariffs (CHF 0.10-0.15)
• Tourism business incentives

Check your canton's energy office:

• www.energieschweiz.ch
• Cantonal energy programs vary significantly
• Can add 10-30% more support

Tax Deductions

Federal Tax:

• Solar installation costs fully deductible
• Counts as energy-saving investment
• Deduct in year of installation
• Reduces taxable income

Example Tax Savings:

• Installation cost: CHF 14,000
• Tax rate: 30% (combined federal + cantonal)
• Tax savings: CHF 4,200

Cantonal Taxes:

• Most cantons also allow deduction
• Combined savings: 25-40% of installation cost
• Check with your cantonal tax authority

Total Support Example (Zurich, 5 kWp):

• Installation cost: CHF 14,000
• Federal subsidy: CHF 2,450
• Cantonal support: CHF 800
• Tax deduction (30%): CHF 4,200
• Total support: CHF 7,450 (53% of cost!)
• Net investment: CHF 6,550

Electricity Savings and Payback Period

Typical Household Consumption

Household Size	Annual Consumption	Suitable System Size
1-2 people	2,500-4,000 kWh	3-5 kWp
3-4 people	4,000-6,000 kWh	5-8 kWp
5+ people	6,000-8,000+ kWh	8-12 kWp

Solar Production in Switzerland

Annual Production by Region:

Region	kWh per kWp	5 kWp System Output
Ticino/Valais	1,100-1,200 kWh	5,500-6,000 kWh
Lake Geneva/Zurich	1,000-1,100 kWh	5,000-5,500 kWh
Basel/Central Switzerland	950-1,050 kWh	4,750-5,250 kWh
Eastern Switzerland	900-1,000 kWh	4,500-5,000 kWh

Note: South-facing roof with 30-35° slope is optimal

Self-Consumption vs. Grid Feed-In

Without Battery:

• Self-consumption: 25-35% of production
• Grid feed-in: 65-75% of production

With Battery (10 kWh):

• Self-consumption: 60-80% of production
• Grid feed-in: 20-40% of production

Financial Calculations

Scenario 1: 5 kWp System, No Battery (Zurich)

Costs:

• Total installation: CHF 14,000
• Federal subsidy: -CHF 2,450
• Tax deduction: -CHF 4,200
• Net investment: CHF 7,350

Annual Savings:

• Production: 5,000 kWh
• Self-consumption (30%): 1,500 kWh x CHF 0.25 = CHF 375
• Grid feed-in (70%): 3,500 kWh x CHF 0.08 = CHF 280
• Total annual benefit: CHF 655

Payback Period: CHF 7,350 / CHF 655 = 11.2 years

25-Year Total Savings:

• Annual savings: CHF 655 x 25 = CHF 16,375
• Minus maintenance: -CHF 2,000
• Net profit: CHF 9,025

Scenario 2: 5 kWp System + 10 kWh Battery

Costs:

• Solar system: CHF 14,000
• Battery: CHF 10,000
• Total: CHF 24,000
• Subsidies & tax: -CHF 7,200
• Net investment: CHF 16,800

Annual Savings:

• Production: 5,000 kWh
• Self-consumption (70%): 3,500 kWh x CHF 0.25 = CHF 875
• Grid feed-in (30%): 1,500 kWh x CHF 0.08 = CHF 120
• Total annual benefit: CHF 995

Payback Period: CHF 16,800 / CHF 995 = 16.9 years

25-Year Total Savings:

• Annual savings: CHF 995 x 25 = CHF 24,875
• Minus maintenance: -CHF 3,500 (including battery replacement)
• Net profit: CHF 4,575

Verdict: Battery extends payback but provides energy independence

Technical Requirements and Permits

Roof Suitability

Ideal Conditions:

• South-facing (±45° acceptable)
• Slope: 25-40° (30-35° optimal)
• No shading from trees/buildings
• Structurally sound roof
• Roof age: <15 years remaining lifespan recommended

Roof Types:

• Pitched tile/shingle: Easiest
• Flat roof: Requires mounting frames
• Metal roofs: Excellent (easy installation)
• Old roofs: Consider renovation first

Space Requirements:

• 1 kWp ≈ 5-6 m²
• 5 kWp system ≈ 25-30 m²
• 10 kWp system ≈ 50-60 m²

Permits and Approvals

Federal Level:

• Generally permitted without special approval
• Register with Pronovo for subsidy

Cantonal Level:

• Building permit usually required
• Simplified process for standard installations
• Heritage buildings: Special approval needed

Municipal Level:

• Some communes have restrictions
• Historic districts may prohibit
• Check with local building department

Processing Time:

• Standard installation: 2-6 weeks
• Heritage/protected buildings: 2-6 months

Installation Usually Permitted:

• Residential buildings
• Standard pitched roofs
• Non-heritage zones
• Roof-integrated systems

May Require Special Approval:

• Listed/heritage buildings
• Conservation zones
• Flat roof installations
• Ground-mounted systems

Grid Connection

Requirements:

• should generally notify utility before installation
• Bi-directional meter required
• Safety disconnect switch
• Compliance with technical standards

Process:

• Installer handles connection application
• Utility approval (2-4 weeks)
• Meter installation
• Final inspection

Costs:

• Usually CHF 300-800 (sometimes covered by installer)
• Included in many installation packages

Choosing Solar Panels and Components

Panel Types

Monocrystalline (Most Common):

• Efficiency: 18-22%
• Best for limited space
• Slightly higher cost
• Better performance in heat
• Black appearance

Polycrystalline:

• Efficiency: 15-17%
• Lower cost
• Blue appearance
• Slightly less efficient

Thin-Film:

• Efficiency: 10-12%
• Flexible applications
• Lower cost
• Rare in residential

Recommendation: Monocrystalline for most homes

Top Panel Manufacturers

Brand	Country	Warranty	Efficiency	Price Range
Meyer Burger	Switzerland	25 years	20-22%	Premium
SunPower	USA	25 years	20-22%	Premium
LG Solar	South Korea	25 years	19-21%	Mid-High
Q Cells	Germany	25 years	18-20%	Mid-High
Canadian Solar	Canada/China	25 years	17-19%	Mid
Jinko Solar	China	25 years	17-19%	Budget
Trina Solar	China	25 years	17-19%	Budget

Swiss Preference: Many Swiss homeowners prefer European or US brands for quality assurance

Inverter Types

String Inverter (Most Common):

• Connects all panels in series
• Cost-effective
• Good for uniform roof sections
• Lifespan: 10-15 years

Microinverters:

• One inverter per panel
• Better for partial shading
• Panel-level monitoring
• Lifespan: 20-25 years
• 20-30% more expensive

Hybrid Inverter:

• Includes battery management
• Essential for battery systems
• Future-proof

Top Brands:

• SMA (Germany) - Industry standard
• Fronius (Austria) - Excellent quality
• SolarEdge (Israel) - With optimizers
• Huawei (China) - Budget option

Warranty Considerations

Panel Warranties:

• Product warranty: 10-25 years
• Performance warranty: 25 years (80-90% output typically)

Inverter Warranties:

• Standard: 5-10 years
• Extended: Up to 20 years (additional cost)

Installation Warranty:

• Workmanship: 2-5 years (varies by installer)
• Roof penetration leaks: 5-10 years

Finding the Right Installer

Questions to Ask

1. How long have you been installing solar?

   • Look for 5+ years experience

2. Are you certified?

   • Swissolar certification preferred
   • Electrical installation license required

3. Can you provide local references?

   • Ask for 3-5 recent installations
   • Visit if possible

4. What warranties do you offer?

   • Installation workmanship
   • Component warranties
   • Leak generally provides

5. Will you handle all permits and subsidies?

   • Should be included in service
   • Pronovo registration
   • Grid connection

6. What's included in the price?

   • Panels, inverter, mounting
   • Installation labor
   • Permits and fees
   • Grid connection
   • Monitoring system

7. What happens if there's a problem?

   • Response time for issues
   • Maintenance services
   • Emergency contact

Red Flags

• Pressure tactics ("offer expires today")
• No physical address/office
• Unwilling to provide references
• Price significantly below market (30%+ less)
• Can't explain technical details
• No insurance documentation
• Asks for large upfront payment (>30%)

Getting Quotes

Get 3-5 quotes from:

• Local installers
• National companies
• Swissolar member companies

Compare:

• Total price (including all components)
• Panel and inverter brands/models
• Warranties offered
• Timeline
• Included services
• Payment terms

Expected Quote Timeline:

• Site visit: 1-2 hours
• Quote delivery: 3-10 days
• Installation: 6-12 weeks after contract

Maintenance and Lifespan

Ongoing Maintenance

Annual Tasks:

• Visual inspection (can DIY)
• Check monitoring system
• Clean panels if needed (rain usually sufficient)
• Verify inverter operation

Every 5 Years:

• Professional inspection
• Electrical connection check
• Performance optimization

Typical Maintenance Cost: CHF 100-200/year

Component Lifespan

Component	Expected Life	Replacement Cost
Solar panels	25-30 years	Full system
Inverter	10-15 years	CHF 1,500-3,000
Mounting	25-30 years	N/A
Battery (if installed)	10-15 years	CHF 5,000-10,000
Monitoring	10-15 years	CHF 300-500

Performance Degradation

Solar Panels:

• Year 1: 2-3% degradation
• Years 2-25: 0.5-0.7% per year
• After 25 years: Still producing 80-85%

Still Valuable:

• Panels continue working beyond 25 years
• Output gradually decreases
• Often economical to keep running

Is Solar Worth It in Switzerland?

Pros

Financial:

• 10-15 year payback period
• 50-60% subsidized by government/tax
• Protection from rising electricity costs
• Increases property value

Environmental:

• Reduces CO2 emissions by 2-4 tons/year
• Clean, renewable energy
• Energy independence

Practical:

• Low maintenance
• 25+ year lifespan
• No noise or emissions
• Works in Swiss climate

Cons

Financial:

• High upfront cost (CHF 6,000-20,000 net)
• Long payback period
• Feed-in tariffs low
• Inverter replacement needed

Practical:

• Roof should generally be suitable
• Permits required
• Installation disruption (1-3 days)
• Performance varies by weather

Technical:

• Lower production in winter (when demand highest)
• Surplus production in summer
• Battery storage expensive
• Technology improving (future systems better/cheaper)

When Solar Makes Sense

Good Candidates:

• South/west/east-facing roof
• Minimal shading
• High electricity consumption (5,000+ kWh/year)
• Long-term homeowner (10+ years)
• Can afford upfront cost
• Located in sunny region (Ticino, Valais, Lake Geneva)

Less Attractive:

• North-facing roof
• Heavy shading
• Low consumption (<3,000 kWh/year)
• Planning to sell soon
• Very old roof (needs replacement first)
• Renter (not permitted)

Alternatives to Full Ownership

Solar Leasing

How It Works:

• Company installs solar on your roof
• You pay monthly fee
• Use electricity produced
• No upfront cost

Typical Terms:

• 20-25 year contract
• Monthly payment: CHF 100-200
• Company owns system
• Company gets subsidies

Pros:

• No upfront investment
• Maintenance included
• Immediate savings

Cons:

• Less total savings than ownership
• Long-term commitment
• Complications if selling house

Not common in Switzerland (more popular in US)

Community Solar

How It Works:

• Invest in share of larger solar farm
• Receive credit on electricity bill
• For those who can't install own panels

Available:

• Some Swiss utilities offer programs
• Check with local power company

Balcony Solar (Plug & Play)

For Renters:

• Small systems (300-600W)
• Plugs directly into outlet
• No installation required
• Cost: CHF 400-800

Annual Production:

• 300-500 kWh
• Savings: up to CHF 75-125/year
• 5-8 year payback

Regulations:

• should generally inform landlord
• should generally notify utility
• Check cantonal rules

Conclusion: Should You Go Solar?

Solar panels in Switzerland make financial and environmental sense for most homeowners with suitable roofs. With subsidies covering 50-60% of costs and payback periods of 10-15 years, solar is a sound long-term investment.

Quick Decision Checklist:

Do you have:

• [ ] Suitable roof (south/west/east facing)?
• [ ] Minimal shading?
• [ ] High electricity bills (CHF 1,000+/year)?
• [ ] Plans to stay 10+ years?
• [ ] Capital for investment (CHF 5,000-15,000)?

If 4-5 yes: Solar is likely worth it If 2-3 yes: Get quotes and run numbers If 0-1 yes: Probably not the right fit

Next Steps:

1. Check roof suitability (free assessment from installers)
2. Review your electricity consumption
3. Get 3-5 quotes from certified installers
4. Calculate your specific payback period
5. Apply for subsidies BEFORE installation
6. Choose quality components and reputable installer

The best time to install solar was 10 years ago. The second-best time is now, before electricity prices rise further and subsidies potentially decrease.

---

In the future, checkeverything.ch will feature an interactive solar calculator to estimate your specific costs, savings, and payback period based on your roof, location, and electricity consumption. Stay tuned!