Financial aid for the installation of photovoltaic and thermal solar panels in Romandy, Switzerland

Why install solar panels?

Solar systems are now at the heart of the energy transition.
In French-speaking Switzerland, they help reduce dependence on fossil fuels and enhance property value while lowering bills.

Main advantages:

• Reduction of electricity and heating costs,
• Enhancement of property value,
• Contribution to the 2050 energy strategy,
• Access to attractive subsidies,
• Profitability within 8 to 12 years depending on the technology.

There are two main categories of installations: photovoltaic solar (electricity production) and thermal solar (hot water production). Each benefits from specific support programs.

1. Subsidies for photovoltaic solar panels

Photovoltaic solar converts sunlight into electricity using cells installed on the roof or facade.

a. Pronovo subsidy (Confederation)

The main federal scheme for photovoltaics is managed by Pronovo SA, a subsidiary of Swissgrid mandated by the Confederation.

Two types of subsidies exist:

1. One-time payment (RU): direct aid paid once after installation.
2. Injection payment (RI): compensation for electricity injected into the grid.

Indicative amounts (2025):

• Approximately 380 CHF/kWc for small installations (<30 kWc),
• Average total amount: 3,000 to 8,000 CHF for a single-family home.
• Higher premiums for building-integrated installations.

Eligibility conditions:

• The installation must be new and compliant with Swiss standards (SIA, IEC),
• The building must be located in Switzerland and have a suitable roof or facade,
• The equipment must be certified and installed by authorized professionals,
• An application must be submitted to Pronovo before commissioning.

b. Cantonal subsidies for photovoltaics

Cantons often supplement federal compensation with additional subsidies.

Canton of Vaud (VD)

• Supplementary aid of 200 to 400 CHF/kWc.
• Bonus for "self-consumption" for systems equipped with batteries.
• Possibility to combine with Pronovo compensation.

Canton of Geneva (GE)

• Grant of 400 CHF/kWc for residential installations.
• Complementary program with SIG (Éco21) for smart energy management.
• Bonus for flat roofs and exposed facades.

Canton of Valais (VS)

• Subsidy of 250 CHF/kWc, cumulative with federal compensation.
• Bonus for architecturally integrated systems.
• Specific support for condominiums.

Canton of Fribourg (FR)

• Aid of 300 CHF/kWc for domestic installations.
• Amount capped at 10,000 CHF per building.
• Application to be submitted before work via the cantonal portal.

Canton of Neuchâtel (NE)

• Subsidy of 200 to 350 CHF/kWc, depending on project size.
• Possible combination with Confederation and municipal aids.

c. Municipal and regional aids

Many Romandy municipalities actively support solar energy:

• City of Lausanne (VD): grant for building-integrated installations.
• City of Geneva: bonus for projects combining solar + insulation.
• City of Sion (VS): grant for solar systems connected to heating.
• City of Neuchâtel (NE): participation in installations on collective buildings.

Amounts: 500 to 2,000 CHF additional depending on the municipality.

2. Subsidies for thermal solar panels

Thermal solar uses the sun's heat to produce hot water or supply a heating system.
It is a particularly interesting solution for single-family homes and multi-dwelling buildings.

a. Building Program (Confederation + Cantons)

Subsidies for thermal solar are integrated into the Building Program.
They concern installations intended for hot water production or partial contribution to heating.

Indicative amounts:

• Approximately 1,200 CHF per m² of solar collector,
• Average subsidy: 3,000 to 10,000 CHF, depending on area and performance.

Conditions:

• The installation must be carried out by an authorized professional,
• The building must be existing,
• The system must cover at least 30% of hot water needs to be subsidized.

b. Specific cantonal aids

Canton of Vaud (VD)

• Aid of 1,200 CHF/m² for thermal solar.
• Bonus for coupling with heat pump or wood boiler.
• Cumulative allowed with tax deductions.

Canton of Gen...