Subsidies 2022: 450 million Swiss francs for photovoltaic systems

According to the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE), more than 18,000 photovoltaic systems with a total capacity of 360 MW were registered for the one-off tariff from January to the end of October 2021. This is around 25% more systems than in the same period of the previous year. In the third quarter of 2021, there were even 40% more than in the same quarter of the previous year. In the month of September alone, there were more than 2,000 registrations.

One-time payment for small photovoltaic systems (KLEIV)

All plant operators who submitted their complete application to Pronovo AG between April 1, 2020 and August 31, 2021 will receive confirmation of their KLEIV subsidy by the end of 2021, as the SFOE assures. This means that in 2021, around 26,000 plants with a total capacity of around 350 MW could be subsidized with the KLEIV. Disbursements will total 150 million Swiss francs, according to the federal government. Outlook 2022: The KLEIV could probably be paid out to all plant operators who submit their complete application by October 31, 2022.

One-time payment for large photovoltaic systems (GREIV)

According to the SFOE, around 500 plants with a total capacity of 168 MW will receive a GREIV in 2021, meaning that all applications received in full by Pronovo AG by October 31, 2021, will be eligible for funding. Outlook for 2022: All plant operators who submit their complete application by October 31, 2022, are expected to receive assurance of a GREIV in 2022.

Feed-in tariff system (KEV)

2021, the SFOE has not included any further plants in the KEV system. The KEV waiting list for other technologies has not been reduced since 2020, and that for photovoltaics since 2021. According to the information, 12,085 photovoltaic plants, 656 hydropower plants, 44 wind power plants and 320 biomass plants currently receive a feed-in tariff. In addition, 19 photovoltaic, 79 hydroelectric, 422 wind energy and 42 biomass projects have a funding commitment for the KEV. It is paid out after the construction of these plants.

Investment contributions

On the subject of the investment contribution, the SFOE writes in its media release:

• 2021 has so far received one application for an investment contribution for Small hydropower plants (300 kW to 10 MW). Pledges totaling around 150,000 Swiss francs are expected to be issued by the end of the year. New applications can be processed immediately. There is no waiting list.
• As of the 2020 reporting date, two applications for investment contributions for Large hydropower plants (from 10 MW) were submitted. The budget of around 100 million Swiss francs was not utilized. Around 55 million Swiss francs are available for applications submitted before the next deadline at the end of August 2022.
• 2021, no application has yet been submitted for an investment contribution for electricity-producing Sewage gas, waste incineration plants or wood-fired power plants submitted. New applications can be processed immediately. There is no waiting list.
• 2021, no application has yet been submitted for a Exploration contribution for geothermal projects for electricity production were submitted. Likewise, no applications were received for a Guarantee for geothermal projects in the electricity sector. New applications can be processed immediately. There is no waiting list.

Tips on the construction and promotion of a photovoltaic system can be found at here. 

How are the support measures financed?

Since January 1, 2018, Swiss electricity consumers have been paying a grid surcharge of 2.3 centimes per kilowatt hour to promote electricity production from renewable energies, electricity efficiency measures and water remediation. The money flows into the grid surcharge fund, which is used to finance various support measures.