Frequently Asked Questions about Solar Subsidies

The Pronovo one-off remuneration (EIV) consists of two elements:

• Base contribution: CHF 350 per system
• Power-related contribution: CHF 320 per kWp (up to 30 kWp)

Example for a 10 kWp system:

CHF 350 + (10 × CHF 320) = CHF 3'550

In addition, some cantons offer additional subsidies of CHF 100 to 500 per kWp.

The following cantons offer additional cantonal subsidies:

• Appenzell Ausserrhoden (AR): +10% on Pronovo EIV
• Bern (BE): 25% bonus on Pronovo for small systems
• Geneva (GE): CHF 500/kWp additional
• Glarus (GL): CHF 300/kWp additional
• Graubünden (GR): CHF 200/kWp additional
• Lucerne (LU): CHF 300/kWp additional
• Obwalden (OW): CHF 200/kWp additional
• Uri (UR): Doubling of Pronovo EIV

The remaining 18 cantons currently have no additional cantonal subsidies.

The one-off remuneration (EIV) is the main federal promotion program for photovoltaic systems. It is managed by Pronovo AG.

There are three categories:

• KLEIV: Small systems up to 100 kWp (with self-consumption)
• GREIV: Large systems from 100 kWp
• HEIV: Systems without self-consumption

The subsidy typically covers 20-30% of investment costs.

The application takes place in several steps:

1. Before installation: Register your system with Pronovo
2. After installation: Submit proof of completion
3. Review: Pronovo reviews your application (2-4 months)
4. Payout: The subsidy is transferred to your account

Your solar installer usually takes care of the application for you.

Costs depend on system size:

• Small system (5 kWp): CHF 12,000 - 15,000
• Medium system (10 kWp): CHF 20,000 - 25,000
• Large system (15 kWp): CHF 28,000 - 35,000

The average price is around CHF 2,000 - 2,500 per kWp (incl. installation).

After deduction of the subsidy, net costs are reduced by 20-30%.

Yes, a solar system is worth it for several reasons:

• Payback: 8-12 years through self-consumption and subsidies
• Lifespan: 25-30 years of guaranteed performance
• Electricity price: You produce electricity for approx. 8-12 Rp/kWh instead of buying it for 25-35 Rp/kWh
• Value increase: Properties with solar systems are worth more
• Tax deduction: The investment is tax-deductible

After payback, you produce free electricity for 15-20 years.

Yes, solar systems are tax-deductible.

In Switzerland, you can deduct investment costs (less subsidies) as property maintenance from taxes.

Depending on your marginal tax rate, this corresponds to an additional "subsidy" of 15-40% of net costs.

Note: Talk to your tax advisor for your individual situation.

The optimal size depends on your electricity consumption and available roof area:

• Single-family house: 6-10 kWp (approx. 35-60 m² roof area)
• Multi-family house: 15-30 kWp
• With electric car: +3-5 kWp additional recommended
• With heat pump: +3-5 kWp additional recommended

Rule of thumb: 6 m² roof area = 1 kWp = 1,000 kWh/year

Orientation affects yield:

• South: 100% yield (optimal)
• South-East / South-West: 95% yield
• East / West: 85% yield
• North: 50-60% yield (usually not recommended)
• Flat roof: 90% yield (with mounting)

East-West roofs are also economical, as self-consumption is higher in the morning and evening.

In most cases no.

Since 2014, solar systems on roofs in Switzerland are subject to notification but not to authorization, provided that they:

• Do not protrude beyond the roof area
• Are sufficiently adapted (aesthetics)
• Are not located in a protected zone

For listed buildings or special zones, a permit is required.

Our calculator uses the official Pronovo rates and current cantonal subsidy rates.

The calculation is an estimate based on:

• Your roof area → estimated system size (kWp)
• Your postcode → canton and cantonal subsidy
• Current Pronovo rates

For a binding offer, we recommend obtaining quotes from specialist installers.

Yes, our calculator is completely free.

You can calculate your solar subsidy without having to provide personal data.

If you wish, you can leave us your contact details to receive offers from certified installers. This service is also free and non-binding for you.