What are Switzerland's new energy regulations?

Switzerland is expanding rules for rooftop solar, energy storage, and energy communities to expand self-consumption and ease pressure on the grid. The new regulations, set to take effect in 2026, introduce updated tariffs, encourage battery storage, and allow local electricity trading.

How much solar energy is needed in Switzerland in 2024?

In Switzerland: Solar obligation for new buildings with more than 300 m2 from 2024 (approx. 30% of new private buildings). The UReK-S (the Environment Commission of the Council of States) wants to accelerate the expansion of solar energy. According to the commission, electricity production urgently needs to be increased.

How much does solar power cost in Switzerland?

Depending on the electricity supplier, homeowners in Switzerland in 2022 received between 5 and 22 Swiss cents per kilowatt hour for solar power generated at home. They paid between 12 and 34 Swiss cents per kilowatt hour of electricity.

Do solar panels pay off in Switzerland?

Installing solar panels on a multi-family home with nine residents spread across four apartments and a heat pump pays off in almost all Swiss cities and communes. The median lies at a return of 10.5 percent. On average, 63 percent of the solar power generated is consumed at home.

How will new solar regulations affect Switzerland's electricity grid?

“The new regulations encourage the temporary storage of solar production peaks, which helps relieve the electricity grids,” said Swissolar. Switzerland installed approximately 1.78 GW of new PV capacity in 2024, according to provisional figures from Swissolar.

How much energy does a solar roof generate in Europe?

It is estimated that solar roofs could generate about a quarter of the EU’s electricity consumption, i.e. more than the share of natural gas used in the European energy mix. The European Solar Roof Initiative announced in the framework of REPowerEU aims to rapidly exploit this potential.