Switzerland subsidizes photovoltaic systems with up to 60 percent of the investment costs
Switzerland subsidizes photovoltaic systems with up to 60 percent of the investment costs
March 14, 2023
The Swiss Federal Council has passed the amendments to the Energy Act. This formalizes the implementation of the amendments to the Energy Act passed by Parliament, which have been in force since October 2022. Photovoltaic systems can receive a one-time payment of up to 60 percent of the investment costs. The changes will come into effect on April 1, 2023 and will last until 2025.
The "high one-time payment" (HEIV) applies to systems with an output of 2 to less than 150 kilowatts that are in operation from January 1, 2023. It provides for reimbursement of up to 60 percent of the investment costs of reference systems that are relevant when they are commissioned. According to the Federal Office of Energy (SFOE), this applies to systems without self-consumption.* If the system has an output of more than 150 kilowatts, the HEIV is awarded by auction. This rule applies until the new plants throughout Switzerland achieve a total annual production of a maximum of two terawatt hours.
In order to determine the expansion threshold of two terawatt hours, the cantons keep the SFOE informed of the planned projects and their status from public disclosure to commissioning. The SFOE keeps a publicly accessible list of the information.
The amendment to the ordinance also stipulates how building permits are issued. They must be carried out by the canton and require the consent of the local community and the landowners. As part of the building permit, the canton must also specify the requirements for the dismantling. Approval for electrical development is issued by the Federal Heavy Current Inspectorate or the Federal Office of Energy.