The one-time payment (EIV): federal subsidy for eligible systems
The one-time payment (EIV) is the main federal subsidy for new solar installations. It is paid once after successful commissioning – no ongoing contribution, no repayment.
The actual amount depends, among other things, on commissioning date, capacity, system type and applicable bonuses. There is therefore no universal percentage or flat CHF-per-kWp formula. Use the current Pronovo calculator for the current calculation.
Payment
One-time
Cantonal programmes and tax deductions
Additional contributions from a canton, municipality or energy supplier may exist, but they are not uniform across Switzerland and are not automatically cumulative. Check each programme with the responsible authority.
A tax deduction is not a subsidy: it reduces taxable income and depends on recognised costs, location and the taxpayer’s marginal rate.
- Existing buildings: up to 100% of eligible costs net of subsidies may, where recognised for tax purposes, be deductible from taxable income as property maintenance; not for new builds, subject to cantonal differences
Step by step: how to claim your subsidies
Your installer can help with the applications. Still, it is worth understanding the process, conditions, deadlines and responsible authorities.
- 1. Have installation completed (installer registers)
- 2. File Pronovo application (usually by installer)
- 3. Acceptance by grid operator
- 4. EIV payment after review
- 5. Apply separately for cantonal contribution (if applicable)
- 6. Tax deduction in next tax return
PvPro.ch partner installers can help with applications; the responsible authorities check eligibility and decide on the payments.
New subsidies 2026: what is new?
2026 brings changes to selected federal and local programmes. Subsidy conditions and building rules must therefore be checked by location and building type; a solar obligation is not a general promise of funding.
- EIV: check the amount and eligibility with the current Pronovo calculator
- Aargau: for ordinary PV, the EIV through Pronovo is the reference; cantonal advice and local programmes must be checked separately
- Basel-Stadt: PV is generally supported federally; in Basel-Landschaft, PV-related bonuses depend on the specific renovation case
- Bern: distinguish federal KLEIV/GREIV instruments from cantonal solar rules
- Appenzell Ausserrhoden and Appenzell Innerrhoden are not one shared subsidy programme
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the EIV calculated?+
The EIV depends, among other things, on commissioning date, capacity, system type and applicable bonuses. Check the current amount with the Pronovo calculator; no percentage or flat amount per kWp is universally valid.
Can I claim the EIV and cantonal subsidy at the same time?+
That depends on the conditions of each programme. The EIV and any cantonal, municipal or supplier programme must be checked separately; do not assume that they are automatically cumulative.
When is the EIV paid?+
The EIV is paid after successful commissioning and review by Pronovo.
Does the tax deduction apply in all Swiss cantons?+
For existing buildings, recognised eligible costs can in principle be deducted as property maintenance in all cantons; up to 100% of recognised costs may qualify. This is not a direct subsidy, and the actual tax benefit varies with cantonal rules and the taxpayer’s marginal rate.
Elia Alacam
Founder of PvPro.ch
Elia Alacam founded PvPro.ch in Lugano. Since then, he has connected more than 1,000 quote requests with Swiss solar companies and writes here about costs, incentives and quotes.
About Elia Alacam →Indicative values, updated September 2026. Sources: Pronovo, ElCom, Swissolar.
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Our partner installers help with the application process and check the programmes relevant to your project. Free and non-binding; the actual EIV and eligibility are determined by the responsible authorities.
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