Cantonal information · Last updated September 2026
Solar panels in the Canton of Zug: on-site power obligation, replacement levy and 2026 funding
For new buildings and non-minor extensions or additional storeys, Zug requires 10 W of on-site electricity capacity per m² of energy reference area. Formula: energy reference area × 10 W/m² = required capacity; this obligation never requires 30 kW or more.
Anyone unable or unwilling to install the required system pays the municipality CHF 1,000 for each missing kW. Alternatively, subject to the statutory conditions, the obligation can be met collectively through a collective self-consumption arrangement.
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Install PV or pay the replacement levy
The ordinance-level provisions on on-site electricity generation and the replacement levy have applied since 1 January 2023.
Two options after calculating capacity
ERA × 10 W/m² gives the required on-site power capacity, always below 30 kW.
Install an on-site power system
Provide the capacity on the building or collectively in a permitted self-consumption arrangement.
Coordinate the project and collective self-consumption documentation with the municipality.
Sources: 1,2Compensate for missing capacity
The replacement levy is payable to the municipality for every required kW that is not installed.
The funds are earmarked for local renewable electricity production.
Sources: 1First calculate the mandatory capacity using the project’s energy reference area. Extensions and additional storeys above the minor-work threshold are treated like new buildings for this provision.
The replacement levy is paid to the municipality and earmarked for local renewable electricity production. It is not funding for the owner’s own installation and replaces only the unrealised part of the obligation.
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Insulate the roof or façade and add PV
Zug’s 2026 funding programme pays CHF 60/m² for eligible roof or façade insulation. If a new PV installation that provides full coverage as defined by the programme is installed on the same building element at the same time, a further CHF 60/m² of insulated area is added.
When does PV count as full coverage?
The threshold refers to the building element insulated at the same time.
This supplement is not a general CHF 60/m² payment for every new PV installation. Ordinary standalone PV is assessed through Pronovo; the programme does not confirm any general cantonal payment for ordinary home batteries.
Building notification: allow 20 days for objections
Solar installations that do not significantly affect neighbours’ interests or public interests must be reported to the competent municipal authority in a building notification. If the authority raises no objection within 20 days of receipt, the project may proceed.
Outside the building zone, the municipality forwards the documents to the Building Directorate. A building permit is always required on cultural and natural monuments of cantonal or national importance.
Keep the obligation, funding and quotation clearly separate
Have the energy reference area, mandatory capacity, actual installed capacity and any replacement levy listed separately. For a collective self-consumption arrangement, it must also be clear how the shared compliance is achieved.
For a renovation, the insulated building-element area, PV coverage ratio, building-envelope payment and PV funding belong in separate line items. This prevents the combined bonus from being incorrectly charged as a flat-rate PV payment.
Solar project in Zug
Map and guidance for your solar project in Zug.
Frequently asked questions
- How is Zug’s on-site power obligation calculated?
- Energy reference area × 10 W/m²; the rule never requires 30 kW or more. Sources: 1
- Can the obligation be met jointly through a collective self-consumption arrangement?
- Yes. Collective compliance through such an arrangement is possible subject to the statutory conditions. Sources: 2
- When may work begin after a building notification?
- If the municipality raises no objection within 20 days of receipt. Sources: 3
- Does every Zug PV installation receive the additional CHF 60/m²?
- No. The supplement applies only with funded insulation and the defined full-coverage PV installation. Sources: 4
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Sources and last update
Last updated: 21 September 2026
- Canton of ZugOrdinance to the Energy Act: on-site electricity generationOfficial source
- Canton of ZugOn-site electricity generation for new buildings and extensionsOfficial source
- Canton of ZugPlanning and Building Act § 44a: building notification for solar installationsOfficial source
- Canton of Zug2026 Energy Funding ProgrammeOfficial source
- Pronovo Ltd on behalf of the Swiss ConfederationOne-off payment for photovoltaic installationsOfficial source
