Total installed solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity in Switzerland in 2023 was approximately 5,840 MW.⁷

By the end of 2024, Switzerland’s cumulative installed PV capacity is projected to reach about 6.2 GW, with solar power expected to supply over 10% of the country’s electricity demand for the first time, surpassing the output of the Beznau nuclear power plant. By 2027, annual solar expansion is anticipated to exceed 2 GW.⁸

• Hydropower – $7.54/kWh ⁹
• Nuclear power – $0.46 – $0.81/kWh ¹⁰
• Solar power – $0.18/kWh ¹¹

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• Hydropower – 54%
• Nuclear power – 34%
• Solar power – 10%
• Wind power – less than 1%
• Fossil fuels – less than 1%

The average daily availability of electricity from the national grid in Switzerland is approximately 24 hours. The Swiss electricity grid is designed to provide continuous power supply, ensuring that electricity is available at all times, barring any significant outages or maintenance activities. ⁵¹⁴

Switzerland’s solar PV market is almost exclusively based on rooftop projects, with around 200,000 installations in total. While nearly 80% of these are in residential areas, warehouse rooftops and industrial systems account for 40% of the installed capacity. ³¹⁵

As of 2022, there are approximately 70,000 photovoltaic plants in Switzerland.¹⁶

Approximately 50 large-scale solar projects are planned for the Swiss Alps under the federal government’s “Solar Express” scheme.¹⁷

The growth of off-grid solar panels in Switzerland is driven by several key factors, supported by the Swiss government initiatives:

• Financial Incentives: Switzerland has announced $696 million in subsidies for solar PV projects in 2023 to encourage installations. The funding will be allocated through KLEIV, GREIV, and HEIV for small, large, and auctioned projects, respectively. The Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) has also ensured that enough funds will be available in the coming years to prevent waiting lists for subsidies. Various cantons, such as Zürich and Basel, offer additional subsidies that may exceed national rates, making solar installations even more financially attractive.¹⁸
• Regulatory Framework: In autumn 2022, Switzerland enacted the „solar express,“ mandating the installation of solar systems on new buildings to ensure a secure electricity supply during winter. These measures will remain effective until December 31, 2025, and will become permanent with the Federal Act on a Secure Electricity Supply from Renewable Energy Sources.¹⁹
• Exemptions: Solar panels used for self-consumption are exempt from grid usage charges, enhancing the financial viability of off-grid solutions.²⁰

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Installed capacity: By 2022, around 200,000 PV systems had been installed in Switzerland.

Annual growth: The Swiss photovoltaic market has seen annual growth rates exceeding 40% since 2020, with a notable increase of 58% in 2022 due to energy shortages. As of the end of 2023, solar power production exceeded 10% of the country’s electricity consumption for the first time.

Long-term projections: By 2050, solar energy is expected to cover up to 50% of Switzerland’s annual electricity demand, driven by increasing consumption and ongoing expansions in capacity.

Market growth rate: The Swiss solar energy market is projected to register a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 5.1% during the next several years, supported by government policies and declining installation costs.

• The average monthly salary in Switzerland is approximately $7,541. ²³
• Solar Energy Technician: the average monthly salary is approximately $6,910. ²⁴
• Solar Energy System Installer: the average monthly salary is approximately $8,673. ²⁵
• Solar Energy Systems Engineer: the average monthly salary is approximately $10,295. ²⁶

The current population of Switzerland is 8,935,320. ²⁷

Estimate for Factory Rent ²⁸

Yearly rent prices for industrial and logistics warehouses in Switzerland vary by canton and location, size and amenities, ranging approximately $75 – $170 per m2.

Industrial Electricity Rates ²⁹

In Switzerland, electricity rates for business users are structured based on several components:

Grid Usage Tariffs

• Working Tariff: $0.31 per kWh
• Power Tariff: $53,810 per MW
• Fixed Basic Tariff: $514,425 per year per weighted exit point.

Ancillary Services

• General Ancillary Services (AS):
  • General AS tariff for grid operators and end consumers: $0.87 per kWh
  • Individual AS tariff for active energy losses: $0.74 per kWh
• Power Reserve Costs: A new component introduced in 2024, charged at about $0.27 per kWh, covering measures for supply security during winter months.

Water Costs ³⁰

In Switzerland, the average water tariff for businesses is approximately $2.32 per cubic meter. This price can vary significantly based on the municipality and its local conditions and operational costs.

Salaries and Wages ²⁴²⁵²⁶

Monthly salaries of workers in solar industry in Switzerland ranges from $6,910 to $10,295, depending on the position and the region.

Rent for Office Space ²⁸

The average monthly rent for commercial office space in Switzerland varies significantly by location, size and amenities, ranging approximately $175 – $410 per m2.

Insurance ³¹

The average annual spending on property insurance in Switzerland is approximately $523.76 per capita.

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Energy Mix

Switzerland’s energy mix is characterized by a strong reliance on renewable sources, particularly hydropower, which accounts for approximately 62% of total electricity production, with 682 hydroelectric power stations generating around 41 TWh per year. Nuclear energy contributes about 29% of electricity generation from four operational nuclear plants. Solar power is rapidly growing, making up 10% of the country’s electricity consumption for the first time.

Key Institutions

The Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) oversees energy supply and usage, ensuring a diverse and sustainable energy framework. It focuses on increasing renewable energy usage and reducing CO2 emissions while promoting efficient electricity and gas markets.

The Swiss government has enacted the Energy Strategy 2050, which aims for climate neutrality and emphasizes the transition away from nuclear power towards renewable sources.

Infrastructure and Interconnections

Switzerland has a well-developed electricity grid that integrates various energy sources. The grid’s flexibility is enhanced by significant pumped hydro storage capacity.

The gas infrastructure includes approximately 1,800 km of pipelines. However, there are legal limitations on developing carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies due to cantonal regulations.

The country is interconnected with neighboring countries for electricity imports/exports, especially during winter months when local production may not meet demand.

Export / Import

Switzerland imports about 70% of its total energy consumption, primarily petroleum products and natural gas. Electricity imports are crucial during winter when local hydropower generation decreases. In summer months, Switzerland typically exports surplus electricity generated from renewable sources.

Policy Goal

Switzerland’s primary policy goal is to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, with an interim target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030. This involves significant investments in renewable technologies and infrastructure upgrades to support increased electrification in heating and transport sectors. The government aims to enhance hydropower output to approximately 38.6 TWh annually by 2050 through renovations and new constructions

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Solar Obligation – Mandatory Installations

New buildings with a surface area exceeding 300 m2 must be equipped with photovoltaic (PV) systems or solar thermal installations on their roofs or facades. This requirement is part of a broader legislative package approved by the Swiss parliament aimed at accelerating solar energy adoption. Cantons have the discretion to extend this obligation to smaller buildings (under 300 m2) and can also grant exemptions based on specific circumstances, such as technical feasibility or economic considerations.

By 2030, all suitable federal public buildings must have solar installations, promoting a significant increase in solar capacity across government properties.

Federal Act on Secure Electricity Supply

On June 9, 2024, was approved the Federal Act on a Secure Electricity Supply from Renewable Energy Sources, which aims to increase domestic renewable energy production. The law mandates that solar installations should contribute significantly to achieving a target of 35 TWh from renewables by 2035 and 45 TWh by 2050.

The act encourages the installation of solar panels on existing structures, including residential and commercial buildings, and aims for significant growth in solar energy capacity.

Simplified Permitting Process

For „sufficiently adapted“ solar systems, only a notification procedure is required instead of a full building permit, simplifying the installation process for most buildings. However, installations affecting cultural or natural monuments require a building permit.

The regulations also streamline the approval process for large-scale PV projects in suitable areas, particularly in alpine regions, which are considered essential for winter electricity supply.

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Solar Express Initiative

Under the federal government’s “Solar Express” scheme, Switzerland is developing large solar farms in high-mountain regions. The first major project is underway near Sedrun in the canton of Graubünden, expected to generate 19.3 megawatts of capacity and supply energy for about 6,500 homes. This facility will cover approximately 300,000 square meters and is designed to produce significant electricity during winter when demand peaks.

High One-Time Payment (HEIV)

This program offers up to 60% reimbursement for solar systems with capacities between 2 kW and 150 kW that operate without self-consumption for a duration of 15 years. The initiative is designed to promote larger installations that feed all generated electricity into the grid, thereby enhancing the overall contribution of solar energy to the national grid.

One-Time Investment Contributions (EIV)

The EIV program provides subsidies covering up to 30% of the costs for solar systems under 100 kW. This initiative is particularly beneficial for smaller installations and encourages homeowners to invest in solar technology.

Cantonal Incentives

Various cantons, including Zürich and Basel, offer additional financial incentives that can exceed national subsidy rates. These cantonal programs aim to further enhance the attractiveness of solar installations and support local energy goals.

Tax Deductions

Homeowners can deduct investment costs for photovoltaic systems from their federal taxes, which significantly reduces the financial burden associated with installing solar panels.

Small PV Systems Subsidy (KLEIV)

The KLEIV program provides one-time payments to support small-scale solar projects, ensuring numerous applications are accepted until a specified deadline (e.g., October 31, 2023). This program aims to facilitate the adoption of solar technology among homeowners and small businesses.

Large PV Systems Subsidy (GREIV)

Funding for Larger Installations: Similar to KLEIV, the GREIV program targets larger photovoltaic systems, ensuring quick disbursement of funds to support significant renewable energy projects.

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Sedrun Solar Park

• Location: Near the village of Sedrun, Graubünden.
• Capacity: Expected to generate 19.3 MW, covering the energy needs of approximately 6,500 homes.
• Details: This project is part of the federal government’s “Solar Express” initiative, which aims to promote large solar farms in high-mountain areas. Construction began in August 2023, and the facility will cover around 300,000 square meters with 5,700 solar panels. It is designed to generate about half of its electricity during winter months when demand is highest. The project has a budget of approximately $100 million.

Muttsee Solar Plant

• Location: On the Muttsee dam.
• Capacity:2.2 MW
• Details: Currently the largest existing solar plant in the Swiss Alps that serves as a benchmark for alpine solar installations and showcases how solar energy can be harnessed effectively in high-altitude environments. It is constructed 2,500 metres above sea level, and consisted of almost 5,000 solar modules.

Floating Solar Project on Lac des Toules

• Location: Lac des Toules, approximately 1,810 meters above sea level.
• Capacity: 448 kW
• Details: This innovative project covers only 2% of the reservoir’s surface area and is designed to address both energy generation and water evaporation issues during drought periods. The floating panels are expected to recover their energy investment within just over two years.

Database on Alpine PV Systems

A comprehensive database has been published by four Swiss universities detailing all planned, rejected, and realized alpine solar systems. This resource aims to enhance transparency regarding the status of various projects across Switzerland’s alpine regions.

Projected Solar Initiatives

The Swiss government has approved around 50 large-scale solar projects under the Solar Express initiative, although many have faced challenges such as local opposition or financial issues. As of now, only four projects have received planning permission, indicating a cautious but determined approach toward expanding solar capacity in the Alps.

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Axpo Holding AG

• Headquarters: Baden, Switzerland
• Website: axpo.com
• Details: A major player in the Swiss energy market, Axpo develops and operates renewable energy projects, including significant investments in solar power generation across the country.

Meyer Burger Technology AG

• Headquarters: Thun, Switzerland
• Website: meyerburger.com
• Details: Specializes in high-efficiency solar cells and modules using advanced technologies like heterojunction and SmartWire. Meyer Burger is recognized for its commitment to sustainable energy, contributing significantly to solar panel manufacturing capacity.

Helion Energy AG

• Headquarters: Zuchwil, Switzerland
• Website: helion.ch
• Details: Focuses on innovative energy solutions, including solar panel installations and energy storage systems like Powerwalls. Helion is a leading player in the Swiss solar market, promoting residential and commercial solar solutions.

Solstis SA

• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
• Website: solstis.ch
• Details: Integrates photovoltaic systems for residential and commercial applications. Solstis has successfully implemented numerous solar projects across Switzerland, enhancing the country’s renewable energy capacity.

Insolight SA

• Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland
• Website: insolight.ch
• Details: Specialized in agrivoltaics, the company offers a dynamic agrivoltaic solution – insolagrin. Develops high-efficiency solar panels using a patented optical system that concentrates sunlight onto small areas of high-efficiency cells. Insolight’s technology achieves superior performance even under partial shading conditions.

Solaxess SA

• Headquarters: Neuchâtel, Switzerland
• Website: solaxess.com
• Details: Focuses on the development of colored and aesthetic solar panels that can be integrated into building facades without compromising design using a revolutionary nanotechnology-based film. Solaxess aims to make solar energy more visually appealing for architects and builders.

Alpiq Holding AG

• Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland
• Website: alpiq.com
• Details: Engages in various energy solutions, including the development of large-scale solar projects like the Alpine Solar PV Park. Alpiq is instrumental in advancing renewable energy infrastructure in Switzerland.

TRITEC AG

• Headquarters: Rümlang, Switzerland
• Website:tritec-energy.com
• Details: TRITEC is a leading Swiss solar company specializing in photovoltaic systems and large-scale solar projects. Recently, they completed Switzerland’s largest solar power plant for Migros, with an output of 5.21 MWp, consisting of over 20,000 solar modules. The plant is designed to produce approximately 4.8 million kWh of clean energy annually, equivalent to the consumption of about 1,300 households.

Romande Energie

• Headquarters: Morges, Switzerland
• Website: romande-energie.ch
• Details: Romande Energie is involved in various renewable energy projects, including the innovative floating solar project on Lac des Toules. This project features nearly 448 kW capacity and utilizes bifacial solar panels on floating platforms. It addresses both energy generation and water evaporation issues while significantly reducing carbon emissions compared to traditional installations.