From 2024! Switzerland plans to cancel small household PV subsidies

From 2024! Switzerland plans to cancel small household PV subsidies

The Swiss Federal Department for the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC) has released new amendments to the Energy Subsidy Regulation (EnFV) and other energy laws for public consultation,media reported. Stakeholders have until July 7 to make suggestions and comments on the planned changes, which will come into effect on January 1, 2024. The ministry hopes that by reducing incentives for small-scale PV systems, it will encourage the installation of large-scale PV projects that can utilize all available rooftops.

According to this Energy Subsidy Regulation, subsidies for photovoltaic systems with an installed capacity not exceeding 5kW must be removed from the subsidy scheme for rooftop photovoltaic systems. The Swiss government currently pays 200 Swiss francs ($221) for each set of photovoltaic systems below 5kW, while photovoltaic systems with installed capacity ranging from 5kW to 30kW can receive subsidies of 380-440 Swiss francs. From 2024 onwards, however, this subsidy will be reduced by CHF 20.

The Swiss Federal Ministry for the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC) stated: "Smaller PV systems receive a much larger reduction in subsidies than large PV systems. This provides incentives for developers and users to install larger PV systems , where possible, will be installed on a suitable roof.”

The Swiss government introduced the "high one-time payment" (HEIV) subsidy for photovoltaic systems on January 1 this year, in addition to providing other incentive models.