In 2026, Pronovo remains the cornerstone of funding for Switzerland's transition to photovoltaics. If you are thinking of installing solar panels on your house, chalet or residence, understanding this mechanism can save you several thousand francs. Here is everything you need to know, without the jargon.
What exactly is Pronovo?
Pronovo AG is the Swiss body mandated by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) to manage all subsidies related to renewable energy. It is a subsidiary of Swissgrid, the national electricity grid operator.
For private individuals installing solar panels, Pronovo manages two main types of subsidy:
- The one-time remuneration (EIV) — a single cash payment, and the most common
- The feed-in remuneration (KEV) — a payment spread over 15 years for large installations
In 95% of cases for private residences, it is the one-time remuneration that applies. That is what we will focus on here.
The one-time remuneration in detail
Since 2024, the one-time remuneration has come in two variants depending on the output of your installation:
KLEIV (Kleine Einmalvergütung, small one-time remuneration) — Small installations
Applies to installations under 100 kWp. This covers the vast majority of residential projects.
GREIV (Grosse Einmalvergütung, large one-time remuneration) — Large installations
Applies to installations of 100 kWp and above. Mainly concerns commercial buildings, rental apartment blocks and large farms.
Exact amounts in 2026
Since the revision of the Energy Promotion Ordinance (EnFV), the one-time remuneration for small installations (KLEIV) consists solely of an output-based contribution, in francs per kW installed. The flat-rate base contribution has been abolished. Rates applicable to installations commissioned since 1st April 2025, still in force in 2026:
| Installation type (< 30 kW) | Output-based contribution | Example: 10 kWp |
|---|---|---|
| Added (on-roof) or free-standing | CHF 360 / kW | CHF 3'600 |
| Building-integrated (BIPV) | CHF 400 / kW | CHF 4'000 |
| Tilt-angle bonus ≥ 75° (façade), on top | + CHF 200 / kW added · + CHF 400 / kW integrated | CHF 5'600 to CHF 8'000 |
A worked example
For a villa fitted with a 12 kWp standard on-roof photovoltaic installation (the most common case): 12 × CHF 360 = CHF 4'320 in Pronovo subsidy. This amount is paid in a single instalment after commissioning and certification of the output by the grid operator. Above 30 kW, the portion of output above that threshold is remunerated at a lower rate.
Important: the rates are set in Annex 2.1 of the EnFV and depend on the commissioning date, the certified output and the mounting type. The SFOE has put forward for consultation an increase from 1st April 2027: + CHF 40 / kW below 30 kW, i.e. CHF 400 / kW for added installations and CHF 440 / kW for integrated ones, subject to adoption. For your specific case, use Pronovo's official tariff calculator or let us do the calculation for you.
Calculate the amount of your subsidy
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Indicative amounts. 2026 small one-time remuneration (KLEIV) rates: CHF 360/kW (added) and CHF 400/kW (integrated) for installations under 30 kW, with no base contribution; tilt-angle bonus +200 / +400 CHF/kW. The final amount depends on the output certified by your grid operator. Official check: Pronovo tariff calculator.
The procedure step by step
The Pronovo procedure has four steps:
- No prior notification for the KLEIV — For installations under 100 kW, the application is submitted on the Pronovo customer portal after commissioning. Notification before work begins only concerns large installations (GREIV, 100 kW and above). However, the municipal permit or the notification procedure (Art. 18a of the Spatial Planning Act) and the installation notice to the grid operator remain mandatory before work begins.
- Commissioning — Once the installation is complete and connected to the grid, the local grid operator (SIG in Geneva, Romande Energie in Vaud, etc.) certifies commissioning.
- Submitting the complete application — After commissioning, the application is submitted to Pronovo with the grid operator's commissioning report, the installation data and supporting documents (invoices, plans, NIV safety report).
- Payment of the subsidy — Pronovo pays the one-time remuneration into the owner's bank account. Current timeframe: 6 to 12 months after submission of the complete application.
At Amperwatt, we handle all of these procedures for our clients. There is no paperwork for you to deal with.
Combining with cantonal subsidies
Good news: the Pronovo one-time remuneration can be combined in full with cantonal and municipal subsidies. Each Swiss canton offers its own support, which comes on top of Pronovo.
Overview by canton (residential)
| Canton | Cantonal subsidy | Estimated combined total |
|---|---|---|
| Geneva (SIG solar bonus 2026) | 25% of the one-time remuneration | approx. 20-25% of the cost with Pronovo |
| Vaud | CHF 300-600 / kWp | 30-38% of the cost |
| Valais | Up to 20% of the cost of the works | 32-40% of the cost |
| Fribourg | CHF 350 / kWp | 28-32% of the cost |
| Bern | CHF 200-400 / kWp | 25-30% of the cost |
| Canton of Zurich | CHF 300 / kWp | 28-33% of the cost |
What about the tax deduction?
In addition to direct subsidies, investing in a photovoltaic installation (or a heat pump) is fully deductible from taxable income as energy-saving work. This deduction can be spread over three tax years.
For a taxpayer with a marginal tax rate of 30-35% (common in the cantons of Geneva, Vaud and Zurich), this represents a tax saving equivalent to 30-35% of the net amount invested (after subsidies).
Case study: a villa in Cologny
12 kWp on-roof photovoltaic installation, premium equipment. Gross cost: CHF 26'000. Pronovo one-time remuneration: 12 × CHF 360 = CHF 4'320. SIG solar bonus (25%): CHF 1'080. Net cost after direct subsidies: CHF 20'600. Tax deduction on the net amount (35% marginal rate): approximately CHF 7'200. Final cost to the owner: approximately CHF 13'400, i.e. 52% of the advertised price.
Pitfalls to avoid
Pitfall 1: Confusing Pronovo with the building permit
For the KLEIV, no notification to Pronovo is required before work begins: the application is made after commissioning. The real pitfall lies elsewhere: starting without the municipal permit or notification procedure, or without the installation notice to the grid operator. A non-compliant installation may be refused commissioning, and therefore the subsidy.
Pitfall 2: Choosing a non-certified installer
Pronovo requires the installation to be carried out by an installer holding NIV authorisations (Low-Voltage Installation Ordinance). Working with a non-certified installer = permanent loss of the subsidy.
Pitfall 3: Underestimating lead times
Between prior notification and final payment of the subsidy, allow 18 to 24 months. This is not a quick mechanism. Plan your cash flow accordingly.
Pitfall 4: Forgetting about cantonal subsidies
Many owners settle for Pronovo and miss out on cantonal subsidies, which can double the total amount. Always check with your canton or ask your installer.
Expected developments in 2027-2030
Swiss energy policy is changing fast. A few trends to anticipate:
- One-time remuneration: increase proposed for 2027 — the SFOE has put forward for consultation an increase of CHF 40 per kW from 1st April 2027 for installations under 30 kW (CHF 400 added / CHF 440 integrated), in order to revive a slowing market; in the longer term, rates track the falling cost of panels
- Stricter obligations — since 2023, several cantons (Geneva, Vaud, Zurich) have required a solar installation on every new building
- Feed-in limited to 70% — since 2026, the grid operator can cap feed-in at 70% of installed output; self-consumption and storage become all the more valuable
- New support for storage — several cantons are considering introducing specific subsidies for residential batteries
The current window (2026-2027) remains one of the most favourable times to invest, with subsidies still high and regulations that favour storage.
Your project deserves end-to-end support.
At Amperwatt, we handle all the Pronovo, cantonal and tax procedures. You have no paperwork to deal with.
Request a consultation →Frequently asked questions about Pronovo
How do you calculate the Pronovo subsidy in 2026?
Multiply the installed output by the rate: CHF 360 per kW for an added or free-standing installation, CHF 400 per kW for an integrated installation, for installations under 30 kW. There is no longer a base contribution. Example: 10 kWp on-roof = CHF 3'600.
How much is the one-time remuneration for 10 kWp?
CHF 3'600 for an added installation and CHF 4'000 for an integrated installation, plus a bonus of CHF 200 or CHF 400 per kW if the tilt angle reaches 75 degrees (façade). In Geneva, the SIG solar bonus adds a further 25%.
Do you have to notify Pronovo of the installation before work begins?
Not for small installations (under 100 kW): the application for the one-time remuneration is submitted after commissioning, together with the grid operator's report. Prior notification only concerns large installations. The municipal permit and the notice to the grid operator are still required before work begins.
When is the one-time remuneration paid?
Once the complete application has been submitted, Pronovo processes applications in order of receipt. Payment generally takes a few months, longer during periods of high demand.
Can the Pronovo subsidy be combined with cantonal subsidies?
Yes. The federal one-time remuneration can be combined with cantonal and municipal grants, for example the SIG solar bonus in Geneva, and with the tax deduction on the net amount invested.
Does Pronovo subsidise batteries?
No. The one-time remuneration is based on installed photovoltaic output. A battery is not subsidised by Pronovo, but some cantons and municipalities offer support for storage.
In summary
Pronovo 2026 remains a major financial lever for making the energy transition affordable. For a standard residential installation, you can count on:
- A one-time remuneration of CHF 360 per kW (added) or CHF 400 per kW (integrated), i.e. CHF 3'600 to CHF 4'000 for 10 kWp
- Which can be combined with a cantonal subsidy (variable)
- And a 100% tax deduction on the net amount
- That is an economic return of 30 to 50% on your initial investment
The key is to follow the sequence of steps scrupulously and to work with a certified installer who has mastered the procedures. That is precisely what we offer.