A solar system doesn't have to be paid for out of savings. In Switzerland, several financing routes are open — from the affordable solar loan and mortgage increase to leasing and contracting. Which option is cheapest depends on your equity, tax situation and desire for ownership. You get firm terms and suitable offers most easily via a free quote comparison.
The solar loan: the most popular solution
A large share of Swiss homeowners finance the system with a loan. You become the owner immediately, can make full use of subsidies and the tax deduction, and benefit from flexible terms. Interest rates vary widely depending on the provider and creditworthiness.
| Provider | Interest rate (guide) | Term | Special feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cantonal banks | approx. 2.5–3.5% | 5–15 years | eco-bonus possible |
| Raiffeisen | approx. 2.9–3.9% | 5–12 years | mortgage increase |
| PostFinance | approx. 3.5–4.5% | 3–10 years | online application |
| Online loans | approx. 4.5–7.9% | 1–7 years | quick approval |
The interest rates given are non-binding guide values and change with the market environment.
Increasing the mortgage: often the cheapest
Many homeowners increase their existing mortgage. This usually offers the lowest interest rates, long terms and simple handling with your own bank — while increasing the property value. Important: the loan-to-value ratio generally must not exceed 80 percent of the property value. So check your current loan-to-value ratio beforehand.
Solar leasing: rent instead of buy
With leasing you pay a monthly rate and use the system without owning it. At the end of the contract, a purchase is often possible.
- Advantages: no down payment, immediate electricity savings, maintenance often included, predictable costs.
- Disadvantages: more expensive overall than buying, no subsidies, no ownership, contractual commitment.
Contracting: the all-round carefree solution
With solar contracting, an energy service provider installs the system on your roof. You only buy the electricity produced at a fixed tariff — without any investment of your own.
- Electricity price: typically 12 to 18 cents/kWh, often fixed over 20 years.
- No investment: the contractor bears all the costs.
- Full service: maintenance, insurance and repairs included.
- Purchase option: often possible after 10 to 15 years.
Example calculation: 10 kWp system
With a system price of around CHF 20,000 and about CHF 8,000 from subsidies and tax savings, a loan amount of around CHF 12,000 remains. At 3.5 percent interest over 10 years, that gives a monthly rate of about CHF 119. Leasing over 15 years without subsidies would, at the same system price, come to around CHF 195 per month — predictable, but more expensive overall.
Which financing suits me?
- Loan or mortgage, if you want to become the owner, use subsidies and achieve the lowest total cost.
- Leasing, if you have no equity, want to start immediately and prefer predictable monthly costs.
- Contracting, if you want zero investment and zero effort and value an all-round service.
All terms are non-binding guide values and depend on creditworthiness and provider. For firm financing offers and a suitable system, request several offers via the free quote comparison and calculate the economics beforehand with the solar calculator.
