Agrivoltaics Investment Switzerland Requires Enhanced Support for Growth
A report from *pv magazine* indicates that agrivoltaics in Switzerland necessitates additional investment support to scale beyond a niche. It suggests that creating greater investment certainty is essential, including adjusting support schemes and potentially introducing a premium on existing auction-based market support. The report notes that the current model suffers from uncertain profitability, making it difficult for project developers to secure adequate returns.
Barriers to Agrivoltaics Investment Switzerland
The report identifies several barriers contributing to the sluggish investment in agrivoltaics:
- Uncertain profitability and insufficient returns for project developers.
- Local acceptance problems, causing delays or shutdowns in projects.
- Operational constraints on farms, particularly where large machinery is necessary.
- Legal uncertainties under Article 24 of Switzerland’s Spatial Planning Act, which mandates that solar use on agricultural land should not hinder agricultural production and must benefit the farming community.
Recommendations for Agrivoltaics Investment Switzerland Improvement
The recommendations go beyond direct financial subsidies. They advocate for a comprehensive investment framework that includes tailored support mechanisms specifically for agrivoltaics. A premium on top of the current sliding market premium available through auction is also suggested. Additionally, safeguarding existing agricultural subsidy payments for land designated for agrivoltaics is recommended.
Changes to Article 24 of the Spatial Planning Act could reduce legal friction, while improved local participation models and dedicated advisory services could enhance project acceptance and execution. The report emphasizes the need for national renewable energy goals to be translated into cantonal or local targets, as cantons are responsible for much agricultural regulation.
The core argument conveyed is not merely a call for increased funding, but also for more predictable, project-specific public support that alleviates legal, financial, and social risks for investors.
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