How to Find the Best Solar Installer in Switzerland 2026 – The Complete Guide

Why is the choice of installer so important?

The solar system itself represents only part of the investment. The installer determines four decisive factors:

The quality of installation: A poorly mounted system loses performance over the years, has higher failure risks, and can in the worst case cause roof damage. An experienced local installer knows the roof types in your region and installs correctly.

The price: For exactly the same system — same modules, same inverter, same output — prices between different installers can vary by CHF 2'000–4'000. Those who ask only one installer and sign often pay too much.

After-sales service: Who takes care of things if the system shows a fault after three years? A local installer is with you in 30 minutes. A national provider might send a technician from another region.

Subsidy applications: An experienced local installer knows the cantonal subsidy programmes and the specifics of the local grid operator — and submits everything correctly and on time.

Local installer vs. national provider — which is better?

This question concerns many homeowners. Here is the honest answer — a comparison of the most important criteria:

• Knowledge of local regulations: Local specialist ✅ Very good — National provider ⚠️ Variable
• Cantonal subsidies: Local specialist ✅ Knows all programmes — National provider ⚠️ Not always up to date
• Response time for problems: Local specialist ✅ 30–60 minutes — National provider ❌ Often days
• Price: Local specialist ✅ Often cheaper — National provider ❌ Often more expensive (overhead)
• References in your region: Local specialist ✅ Many local projects — National provider ⚠️ Variable
• Brand awareness / Marketing: Local specialist ⚠️ Less visible — National provider ✅ Large

How do I find the best solar installer in my region?

There are several ways — we explain honestly what works and what doesn't:

Way 1 — Google search: You search "solar installer + your canton" and get a list of companies. The problem: the top results are often large national providers with big advertising budgets — not necessarily the best in your region. Small, excellent specialists rarely appear on the first page.

Way 2 — Recommendations from neighbours or acquaintances: This is one of the most reliable methods — if your neighbour has had a good experience, that is a strong signal. The downside: you may have only one or two recommendations and no price comparison.

Way 3 — Swissolar directory: Swissolar maintains a list of qualified installers. This is a good starting point for checking certifications, but it is not a price comparison tool.

Way 4 — PVPro.ch: You fill out a form once in 2 minutes. We send your enquiry to up to 3 verified, certified installers from your region — who send you tailored quotes within 48 hours. You compare and choose freely. No effort, no advertising calls, no obligation.

What do I need to look for when choosing an installer?

Not every installer is equally good. Here are the six criteria you should check:

1. Certification: A reputable solar installer in Switzerland has a recognised certification — ideally from Swissolar (Solarprofi label) or electrosuisse. These certifications prove that the company has the necessary technical knowledge and undergoes regular training.

2. Local experience: Does the installer have proven projects in your canton or region? Do they know the local grid operators, the cantonal subsidy programmes, and the common roof types in your area?

3. References: Ask for completed projects in your municipality. A good installer can provide you with reference customers you can contact.

4. What is in the quote? A professional quote always contains: system size in kWp, module manufacturer and type, inverter brand, mounting system, installation costs separately, estimated annual output, subsidies, and warranties. If these points are missing, that is a warning sign.

5. Warranties: What warranties does the installer offer on the mounting work? Reputable companies give at least 5 years of warranty on the installation itself — in addition to the manufacturer warranties on modules (25 years) and inverters (5–12 years).

6. Insurance: Is the company insured for any damage during installation? This should always be asked.

The 7 most common mistakes when choosing an installer

From our experience with over 1'000 brokered installations, we see the same mistakes again and again:

• Mistake 1 — Only asking one installer: The most frequent and costly mistake. Without comparison, you will never know if the price is fair. The difference between different quotes is often CHF 2'000–4'000 for the same system.
• Mistake 2 — Choosing the cheapest: Cheap is not always good. Inferior modules, inaccurate sizing, or poor mounting work cost more in the long run than a few hundred francs saved. Quality has its price.
• Mistake 3 — Not checking references: Many homeowners sign a quote without ever having asked for references. A call to a former customer of the installer can be very revealing.
• Mistake 4 — Not requesting a written quote: Verbal promises do not count. Everything — price, components, warranties, deadlines — must be in writing in the quote.
• Mistake 5 — Leaving the subsidy application to the installer without asking: Most installers handle the registration with Pronovo for the OTS. But ask explicitly: is that included in the price? By when will the application be submitted?
• Mistake 6 — Sizing the system too small: Many homeowners buy the smallest system that will just be sufficient. If an electric car or a heat pump is added later, the capacity will no longer be enough. Better to plan a little larger.
• Mistake 7 — Not asking the installer about after-sales service: What happens after installation? Who maintains the system? Is there a maintenance contract? These questions are often forgotten — and are particularly important for an investment with a 25-year lifespan.

How does PVPro.ch verify the installers in the network?

PVPro.ch is not an open directory where anyone can register. Every installer in our network is verified:

The result: When you receive a quote via PVPro.ch, you already know that the installer meets the minimum standards. You no longer need to check the certification yourself.

• Certification: Proof of a recognised qualification (Swissolar, electrosuisse or equivalent)
• Insurance proof: Public liability insurance in place
• Reference projects: Proven experience in the respective region
• Regional presence: Only companies that are actually active in your region — no national call centres that resell orders
• Quality control: Ongoing verification based on customer feedback

Why is a local installer particularly important in Switzerland?

Switzerland is a federal country — and that applies to solar systems too. What applies in the canton of Zurich does not necessarily apply in the canton of Berne:

Cantonal subsidy programmes: Many cantons have their own subsidy programmes in addition to federal support. A local installer knows these programmes and applies for them automatically for you. A national provider without local knowledge often forgets them.

Local grid operators: Each municipality has its own grid operator with its own processes for registering the system and the feed-in compensation. A local installer knows the process at your grid operator — and avoids delays.

Cantonal permit procedures: Even if most systems are permit-free, there are cantonal and municipal specifics. A local installer knows what applies in your municipality.

Fast service: If something is not right after installation, a local company is with you in a short time. This provides security over 25 years of system operation.

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