Switzerland considers 40% solar tariff cut

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

The Swiss government is considering massive solar subsidy cuts in a move the country’s PV industry has warned could have “profoundly” damaging effects.

The Swiss Federal Office of Energy confirmed to PV Tech that the country’s Federal Council is contemplating cuts of 35-40% and a decrease in power purchase agreement periods from 25 to 15 years.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

The national solar industry association, Swissolar, said that subsidy cuts of this magnitude would have a “profound” effect on the industry, decreasing the rate of new solar installations, especially larger projects.

But Swissolar said it was “quite optimistic” that the proposed cuts would be partially withdrawn as it claims the calculations behind the new tariffs are “wrong” and are not in line with Swiss energy laws.

No other incentives or tax breaks have been proposed to replace subsidies, but no more annual subsidy cuts would be made after if the changes go ahead; although the government would still have the ability to make further cuts if necessary, cuts would no longer be annually automatic, Swissolar said.

The deadline for submissions for companies and associations to submit opinions on the proposed changes to the council is 11 September. After looking at feedback, the council will decide if the legislation for solar subsidies needs to be changed.  

If approved, the legislation would be valid from 1 January 2014. Any systems already installed by then would receive the current FiT, but after that the new tariffs would apply.

Swissolar said it was “strongly campaigning against” the proposed changes.

Read Next

Premium
October 10, 2025
Gaëtan Masson of IEA PVPS warns of overcapacity, collapsing prices and slipping module quality in the new Trends in PV Applications report.
October 10, 2025
The European solar module market has reached a “state of equilibrium” in recent weeks, with stable prices and regular demand.
October 10, 2025
US solar recycling firm OnePlanet has achieved the R2v3 certification from electronics sustainability non-profit SERI, which represents the “highest standards of traceability”.
October 10, 2025
NTPC Renewable Energy Limited has signed an MoU with the Government of Gujarat to develop 15GW renewable energy projects in Gujarat.
October 10, 2025
Australia's renewable energy sector recorded its slowest month of the year for additions in September, with 5.8GW of new projects added to development pipelines, according to data from Rystad Energy.
October 9, 2025
The Australian government has announced the results of the fourth Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) tender, with 6.6GW of renewables awarded long-term contracts.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
October 21, 2025
New York, USA
Solar Media Events
November 25, 2025
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
December 2, 2025
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK