As part of its commitment to a sustainable energy future, Switzerland is advancing its solar ambitions with new transparency targets. The nation aims to generate 34 TWh of electricity from solar power by 2050.
This goal is a key part of the federal government’s strategy to expand renewables and reduce its dependence on hydroelectric power, which currently provides 57% of the country’s electricity.
New Targets for Solar Sector Expansion
The Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) is leading this effort, mandating that cantons establish transparent targets for solar system expansion by 2025. This directive, approved by the Swiss Federal Council, is a crucial step in the federal government’s comprehensive energy strategy.
New solar PV installation laws, designed to streamline permitting and approval processes, further reinforce this commitment.
While hydropower remains a major energy source, solar currently contributes only 6% to the country’s electricity generation. To diversify the energy mix and lessen reliance on a single source, the government is focused on expanding solar capacity—an essential move for creating a more balanced and resilient energy portfolio.
Cantonal Energy Production Targets
By the end of 2025, each canton must set specific annual and cumulative targets for electricity production from new solar installations. These targets will be reviewed and updated every five years to ensure consistent progress toward the overarching 34 TWh goal.
The SFOE will support the cantons with a dedicated tool for tracking their progress.
The goal is to ensure cantonal targets contribute proportionately to the national objective, encouraging participation from all regions in the expansion of solar energy. This collaborative approach will help balance the energy mix across the country and make the transition to renewables more equitable and effective.
As Switzerland aims for 24 TWh of solar energy annually by 2040, this localized effort is critical.
Monitoring Progress and Providing Incentives
The SFOE will monitor each canton’s progress toward its solar energy targets. By the end of 2027, the office will publish a comprehensive report detailing the results from each region. This transparency is designed to promote accountability and encourage cantons to meet their established goals.
To further incentivize the growth of solar energy in Switzerland, the federal government has introduced a grant program for large photovoltaic systems in the Alps. The program offers substantial grants, covering up to 60% of investment costs for systems with an installed capacity of at least 4 MW.
The first round of grants is scheduled for late 2024, with subsequent rounds planned for 2025 and beyond. This initiative is designed to harness Switzerland’s abundant solar potential in the high-altitude Alpine region, which is known for its consistent and intense sunlight.
Building a Resilient Energy Infrastructure
To ensure the solar expansion is both sustainable and reliable, Switzerland is also prioritizing a resilient energy infrastructure. The goal is to create a system capable of meeting the country’s electricity demands, even when hydropower availability is low.
This will require significant investment in advanced energy storage and grid enhancements to handle the increased solar capacity. The home solar energy storage market is also growing rapidly, aligning with Switzerland’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Switzerland’s comprehensive plan marks a significant step toward a more diversified and sustainable energy mix. By setting clear targets and providing robust financial incentives, the country is positioning itself to reduce its reliance on hydropower and substantially increase its share of renewable energy in the decades ahead.
