Financial grants and subsidies make establishing and operating Local Energy Communities (LEGs) in Switzerland significantly more attractive. From federal grants to cantonal programs to municipal support – there are numerous ways to financially support LEG projects.
In this comprehensive guide, you'll get a complete overview of all available grants for LEGs in Switzerland 2025.
Overview: Funding Landscape Switzerland
Funding Levels
LEG funding in Switzerland occurs at multiple levels:
1. Federal Level:
- Federal Office of Energy (BFE)
- National funding programs
- Legal incentives
2. Cantonal Level:
- Cantonal energy offices
- Regional funding programs
- Local particularities
3. Municipal Level:
- Municipal grants
- Local initiatives
- Cooperation projects
4. Private Funding:
- Foundations
- Energy providers
- Private investors
Federal Grants: BFE Programs
One-Time Payment for Photovoltaic Systems
What is funded?
- Installation of new photovoltaic systems
- Expansion of existing systems
- Battery storage (with new systems)
Grant Amount:
- 200-300 CHF per kWp installed capacity
- Dependent on system size
- Reduction for large systems
Requirements:
- System must be grid-connected
- Meet technical standards
- Apply before installation
Application Procedure:
- Application via Pronovo platform
- Submit before installation
- Processing: 2-4 weeks
Investment Contributions
What is funded?
- Energy efficiency measures
- Renewable energy
- Storage systems
Grant Amount:
- Up to 30% of investment costs
- Maximum 50,000 CHF per project
- Often combinable with other grants
Requirements:
- Project must support Energy Strategy 2050
- Meet technical standards
- Economic proof
ZEV Grant (Self-Consumption Community)
Special grant for ZEV:
- Increased feed-in tariff
- Simplified procedures
- Technical support
Grant Amount:
- Up to 20% higher compensation
- Additional investment contributions possible
Cantonal Grants
Overview by Canton
Zurich:
- Additional grant: 500-2,000 CHF
- Simplified procedures
- Technical advice
Bern:
- Investment contributions up to 10,000 CHF
- Operating contributions for first 3 years
- Support programs
Basel-City:
- Municipal grants
- Energy efficiency premiums
- Cooperation projects
Geneva:
- International standards
- Cross-border projects
- Innovative models
Other Cantons:
- Inform yourself with your cantonal energy office
- Grants vary significantly
- Often adjusted annually
Typical Cantonal Grants
Investment Funding:
- 10-30% of investment costs
- Maximum 5,000-15,000 CHF
- For solar panels, storage, smart meters
Operating Funding:
- 100-500 CHF/year for first years
- Support for operating costs
- Limited duration (1-5 years)
Advisory Funding:
- Cost coverage for energy advice
- Technical advice
- Legal support
Municipal Grants
Municipal Support
Many municipalities fund LEGs:
Typical Measures:
- Additional investment contributions: 1,000-5,000 CHF
- Area provision for facilities
- Administrative support
- Public relations
Requirements:
- Local anchoring
- Contribution to municipal energy strategy
- Integration of municipality
Private Grants and Foundations
Energy Providers
Funding Programs from Providers:
- Investment contributions
- Technical support
- Cooperation projects
Foundations
Relevant Foundations:
- Klimastiftung Schweiz
- Energy Foundation
- Regional environmental foundations
Typical Grants:
- 5,000-50,000 CHF per project
- Focus on innovation
- Sustainability in foreground
Grant Combinations
Maximize Funding
Tip: Multiple grants can often be combined:
Example Combination:
- Federal grant: 3,000 CHF
- Cantonal grant: 2,000 CHF
- Municipal grant: 1,000 CHF
- Total: 6,000 CHF funding
Restrictions
Important: Watch for:
- Combination rules
- Maximum grants
- Application deadlines
Application Procedures
Step-by-Step
1. Research:
- Identify available grants
- Check requirements
- Note deadlines
2. Preparation:
- Create project concept
- Cost calculation
- Technical documentation
3. Application:
- Fill out forms
- Submit documents
- Observe deadlines
4. Processing:
- Wait time: 2-8 weeks
- Answer inquiries
- Improvements
5. Approval:
- Receive grant approval
- Observe conditions
- Implement project
Important Deadlines
Typical Deadlines:
- Application before project start
- Processing: 2-8 weeks
- Payment after implementation
- Proof within 1 year
Grant Amounts in Detail
Photovoltaic Funding 2025
One-Time Payment:
- ≤10 kWp: 300 CHF/kWp
- 10-30 kWp: 250 CHF/kWp
- 30-100 kWp: 200 CHF/kWp
- 100 kWp: 150 CHF/kWp
Example: 10 kWp system = 3,000 CHF grant
Storage Funding
Battery Storage:
- 200-400 CHF/kWh storage capacity
- Maximum 20,000 CHF
- Only with new systems
Smart Meter Funding
Digital Meters:
- 100-300 CHF per smart meter
- Often via grid operator
- Simplified procedures
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which grants can I combine?
Often possible:
- Federal + Cantonal + Municipal grants
- Attention: Observe maximum grants
- Consult expert advice
How long does processing take?
Typically:
- Federal applications: 4-8 weeks
- Cantonal: 2-4 weeks
- Municipal: 1-2 weeks
Must I submit grant application before installation?
Usually yes:
- One-time payment: Before installation
- Investment contributions: Before project start
- Operating grants: Possible after start
What happens if my application is rejected?
Options:
- Improvement and resubmission
- Check alternative grants
- File objection (if entitled)
Can I apply for grants retrospectively?
Rarely:
- Usually before project start
- Exceptions possible
- Inform in time
Tips for Successful Applications
1. Inform in Time
- Grants change regularly
- Observe deadlines
- Inform before project start
2. Professional Support
- Consult energy advisor
- Use application assistance
- Legal advice if needed
3. Documentation
- All documents complete
- Technical proof
- Economic calculation
4. Patience
- Processing takes time
- Inquiries possible
- Don't despair
Next Steps
Ready for grants?
- Learn about LEGs: Understand the basics
- Check available grants: Federal, Canton, Municipality
- Contact Upgrid: We help with applications
- Submit grant applications: On time and complete
Grants make LEGs even more attractive – use them!
Related Articles:
- LEG Cost-Benefit Analysis: How Much Can You Save?
- LEG Financing Models: From Crowdfunding to Bank Loans
- Starting an LEG: Step-by-Step Guide with Checklist
- Legal Framework for LEG in Switzerland 2025
About Upgrid: Upgrid supports you in applying for grants and makes LEG projects financially even more attractive. Visit Upgrid.ch for more information.
