For photovoltaic (PV) systems with a capacity of up to 30 kW, the minimum fee is CHF 6 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), while systems between 30 kW and 150 kW qualify for a tariff of CHF 6.2 per kWh. These tariffs are designed to reflect the actual use of self-produced electricity within a community, thereby reducing the financial burden on local grids. Energy communities are given the flexibility to sell self-generated electricity locally, through the public grid, within a district or municipality.
The Electricity Supply Ordinance (ESO) outlines the minimum capacity for production facilities within an energy community and the grid levels to which participants can connect. Self-generated electricity sold within a community benefits from reduced grid usage tariffs, with the ESO providing a discount of up to 40%, or 20% if multiple grid levels are involved. This initiative aims to reduce the need for extensive grid expansion by encouraging local consumption.
The SwissSolar trade union has expressed concerns about the incentives for local consumption, stating that they remain too low. “The Federal Council must increase the discount at the next opportunity, in order to reduce the need for grid expansion,” the union remarked. This statement underscores the challenges in balancing renewable energy production with the existing grid infrastructure.
The new provisions also emphasize the importance of incentivizing flexible end consumers to adjust their electricity use based on grid load, thereby reducing strain. Dynamic or location-differentiated network usage tariffs will now be permitted, allowing consumers to optimize their consumption, production, and storage of energy. Network operators remain responsible for metering systems in their service areas and must set metering tariffs based on the causality principle, with these metrics published separately on customer bills.
Consumers must be informed of their electricity consumption trends, including comparisons with the previous year and their customer group’s average. Distribution system operators can now set maximum feed-in power at the connection point, reducing delays in connecting solar systems and limiting grid expansions. Solar system operators have the option to store excess power in batteries or electric vehicles, with any limitations requiring compensation if they result in more than a 3% annual yield loss.
Under certain conditions, remuneration for grid use can now be reimbursed for storage batteries, including stationary units and bidirectional charging for electric vehicles. The SwissSolar trade union highlighted the benefits of temporary storage of solar production peaks, which helps alleviate electricity grids during periods of high demand.
Switzerland has seen a significant increase in its renewable energy capacity installations, with provisional figures from SwissSolar indicating that approximately 1.78 GW of new PV capacity was installed in 2024. This represents an increase from 1.64 GW in 2023 and 1.08 GW in 2022, marking a record year for new installations. However, SwissSolar predicts that this growth may not continue in 2025 and 2026, with forecasts for 1.51 GW and 1.56 GW additions, respectively.
These measures aim to support Switzerland’s transition to a carbon-neutral energy future, leveraging renewable energy sources to meet growing demand while addressing grid challenges. The introduction of these policies reflects a strategic move to enhance the efficiency and reliability of the energy supply chain, ensuring that renewable energy systems can meet the needs of an increasingly interconnected world.
