Subsidies for Photovoltaic (PV) Systems in Swiss Cantons: How to Maximize Your Benefits

In our previous blog post, we explored the broader financial and environmental benefits of installing photovoltaic (PV) systems. Today, we focus on a crucial factor that can dramatically improve your return on investment: subsidies.

Switzerland’s support for solar energy is layered across federal, cantonal, and municipal levels. Understanding how these subsidies work — and how they interact — is key to unlocking their full potential. We’ll break down each level, highlight the most active cantons, and even walk through an example calculation to show you what’s possible.

1. Federal Level: Pronovo AG

At the national level, Pronovo AG manages the One-Time Investment Contribution (Einmalvergütung, EIV).

• Who qualifies? Systems ≥2 kW capacity.

• Coverage: Up to 30% of investment costs (based on reference systems).

EIV Categories:

• KLEIV: Small systems (<100 kW).

• GREIV: Large systems (≥100 kW).

• HEIV: Systems (2–149.99 kW) without self-consumption — up to 60% coverage.

Bonus Options:

Additional rewards apply for:

• Steep installations (>75° tilt)

• High-altitude locations (>1,500 m)

• Building-integrated PV designs

  
  

How to apply: Submit your application before installation via Pronovo’s online platform.

2. Cantonal & Municipal Levels: Local Boosts

While the federal EIV remains the core subsidy, cantons and municipalities add further layers of support — from planning help to direct top-ups that often total 10–20% of project costs.

Since February 2023, all contributions (federal, cantonal, municipal) are paid separately but complement one another, making local programs particularly valuable. Here’s a look at four of the most active cantons.

📍 Canton of Zurich

Cantonal Level

• No direct CHF/kWp grant.

• Offers free “starte!” energy consulting and pilot project funding.

Municipal Level (City of Zurich / EWZ)

• Base Grant: CHF 4,400

• Performance Bonus:

  • CHF 420/kWp (0–30 kWp)

  • CHF 330/kWp (30–100 kWp)

  • CHF 300/kWp (>100 kWp)

• Extras:

  • CHF 250/kWp for green roofs

  • CHF 300–400/kWp for integrated or steep façades

  • Up to CHF 150,000 for asbestos removal, grid upgrades, or façade retrofits

• Important: Apply before construction; EWZ processes grants alongside Pronovo submission.

  
  

📍 Canton of Bern

Cantonal Level

• No fixed CHF/kWp grant.

• PV eligible under broader energy-efficiency programme.

• Bonus available for tilt angle or high-altitude systems.

Municipal Level (City of Bern / EWB)

• CHF 80/kWp (for systems ≤30 kWp)

• Flat CHF 2,400 (for larger arrays)

• Note: Apply before construction; funding based on DC capacity. Plug-and-play kits not eligible.

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📍 Canton of Lucerne

Cantonal Level

• No CHF/kWp grant.

• Supports GEAK Plus energy audits and planning assistance.

Municipal Level (City of Lucerne)

• Tops up federal EIV by 20%

• Additional targeted surcharges:

  • CHF 200/kWp for green roofs (V-rack systems)

  • CHF 100/m² for steep arrays (>75°)

  • CHF 625/kWp for north-facing roofs

  • 50% reimbursement of heritage-related extra costs

📍 Canton of Zug

Cantonal Level

• No standalone PV subsidies.

• Support triggered when bundled with deep renovations.

• New energy law (Feb 2024): Requires new buildings to produce electricity, indirectly encouraging PV adoption.

Municipal Level (City of Zug)

• Up to CHF 10,000 per system (≥2 kWp)

• New buildings (approved after Feb 2024): City covers 50% of the federal EIV

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Example: Financial Impact in Zurich

A 3.9 kWp PV facade system (30 m²) in Zurich City (initial cost CHF 30,000; household income CHF 150,000):

1. One-Time Benefits

a) Base Grant (City of Zurich)

• Fixed amount: CHF 4,400

b) Performance Bonus (City of Zurich / EWZ)

Since 3.9 kWp is in the 0–30 kWp range:

• CHF 420/kWp × 3.9 kWp = CHF 1,638

c) Facade Bonus (City of Zurich / EWZ)

Assuming the PV system is an integrated/steep façade:

• CHF 400/kWp × 3.9 kWp = CHF 1,560

👉 Subtotal of Zurich City Subsidy:

• CHF 4,400 (base)

• CHF 1,638 (performance bonus)

• CHF 1,560 (façade integration)= CHF 7,598

  
  

Note: Actual benefits vary based on system size, tilt, integration, and taxable income.

To estimate subsidies for your own property in Zurich City, try the official calculator:

Zurich Energy Subsidy Calculator

2. Tax Savings

Let’s assume:

• Marginal tax rate (city, canton, federal) ≈ 23.5% (typical for CHF 150k income in Zurich)

Then:

• CHF 30,000 × 0.235 = CHF 7,050 in first-year tax savings

  
  

  💡 Bottom Line:

  If you spend CHF 30,000 on this system in Zurich:

  • You recover CHF 14,330 in Year 1

  • Net cost after subsidies/tax savings: ~CHF 15,670

  
  

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Solskin: We Simplify the Process

Subsidy rules can be complex — but that’s where we come in. At Solskin, we:

• Calculate your full subsidy eligibility

• Manage all applications and paperwork

• Ensure compliance to avoid delays

Look more into services that we provide:

Our Services