Switzerland is among the countries with the highest solar subsidies in Europe. With the Pronovo one-time payment and additional cantonal subsidies, homeowners can recoup up to 30–40% of investment costs of a solar installation.
What Does the Federal Government Pay? The Pronovo One-Time Payment 2026
The one-time payment (EIV) is the main federal subsidy programme for photovoltaic installations. It is administered by Pronovo AG and funded through the grid surcharge.
How much is the subsidy per kWp? — 2026 Rates
Small Installations (KLEIV) up to 100 kWp
Large Installations (GREIV) from 100 kWp
What additional bonus subsidies are available?
Additional contributions are available for certain installation types:
- Integrated installations (BIPV): +CHF 40/kWp (facades, roof integration)
- Steep installations (≥75°): +CHF 200/kWp (higher winter yield, attached)
- Integrated steep installations (≥75°): +CHF 400/kWp
Which Cantons Pay Additional Solar Subsidies?
In addition to federal subsidies, 6 of 26 cantons offer direct subsidies for photovoltaic installations. Bern and Lucerne have discontinued their cantonal programmes — subsidies there are available through municipal programmes.
| Canton | Additional Subsidy | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Appenzell AR | +50% on EIV | EIV top-up, max. CHF 100,000 |
| Geneva (GE) | Up to CHF 4,500 | Flat-rate subsidy + battery storage bonus |
| Glarus (GL) | CHF 250/kWp | Winter-optimised installations (facades) |
| Graubünden (GR) | CHF 300/kWp | Facade installations, min. 1,250 kWh/a |
| Obwalden (OW) | CHF 200/kWp | Winter-optimised installations |
| Uri (UR) | CHF 200/kWp | Winter-optimised installations |
The remaining 20 cantons (AG, AI, BE, BL, BS, FR, JU, LU, NE, NW, SG, SH, SO, SZ, TG, TI, VD, VS, ZG, ZH) currently have no direct cantonal subsidy for standard PV installations. Tax deductions and municipal programmes remain available.
How Much Subsidy Will I Receive? — Sample Calculation 10 kWp
Calculate your solar subsidy for a typical single-family home installation:
Example: 10 kWp installation, federal baseline 2026
At estimated installation costs of CHF 22,000, this represents a subsidy rate of approx. 20%. With the additional tax deduction, effective savings can rise to 35–45%.
How Do I Apply for Pronovo Funding? — Step by Step
The process for applying for the one-time payment:
Register installation (before installation)
Register your project in the Pronovo portal. This secures the current subsidy rate.
Install the system
Your installer builds and commissions the system.
Submit completion notification
After commissioning, submit the documents to Pronovo.
Receive payment
After review (2–4 months) the subsidy is transferred to your account.
Tip: Most installers handle the application process for you as part of the service.
Can I Deduct the Solar Installation for Tax Purposes?
In addition to direct subsidies, a solar installation also offers tax benefits:
- Investment deduction: Net costs (after subsidies) can be deducted from taxes as property maintenance.
- Feed-in tariff: Surplus electricity fed into the grid is compensated by the utility company (approx. 8–15 Rp/kWh).
- Self-consumption: Self-used electricity is tax-free and directly reduces your electricity bill.
Tax deduction example
At net costs of CHF 18,000 (after subsidies) and a marginal tax rate of 30%, an additional tax advantage of approx. CHF 5,400 results.
Is Solar Worth It in Switzerland 2026? — Conclusion
Switzerland offers attractive subsidies for solar installations. With the combination of federal subsidies, cantonal grants and tax deductions, you can save up to 40–50% of investment costs.
With our free subsidy calculator, find out in 30 seconds how much subsidy is possible for your situation.
Sources & Further Links
Emir Kovacevic
Emir is a software engineer and specialist in solar building analysis. As founder of Solar Advisor Switzerland, he analyses the latest Pronovo tariffs and cantonal subsidy guidelines daily to provide homeowners with honest, fact-based recommendations.