Anyone wanting to obtain solar system quotes or offers in Switzerland first asks: what does a solar system actually cost? The short answer: a turnkey photovoltaic system for a single-family house in Switzerland today typically costs CHF 15,000 to CHF 25,000 — depending on size, roof and components. The honest answer: you only know the firm price once several vetted installers have made you an offer. That is exactly why here you compare several offers for free and without obligation.
What does a solar system cost in Switzerland?
The cost of a solar system depends above all on the system size in kilowatt-peak (kWp). As a rule of thumb, Switzerland sees around CHF 2,000 to 2,800 per kWp — with a downward trend the larger the system. The following table gives guide prices for orientation before you request concrete quotes:
| System size | Annual production | Cost (gross) | After subsidy* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 kWp (20 modules) | approx. 5,000 kWh | CHF 12,000–15,000 | CHF 8,000–11,000 |
| 6 kWp (24 modules) | approx. 6,000 kWh | CHF 14,000–17,000 | CHF 9,500–12,500 |
| 8 kWp (32 modules) | approx. 8,000 kWh | CHF 18,000–22,000 | CHF 12,000–16,000 |
| 10 kWp (40 modules) | approx. 10,000 kWh | CHF 22,000–27,000 | CHF 14,500–19,500 |
*Rough guide values after deducting the one-time remuneration, possible municipal subsidies and tax savings. The effective cost depends heavily on the system, the region and your personal tax rate.
Which factors determine the cost?
Why do prices vary so much from one offer to the next? These factors make the difference:
System size: larger systems cost less per kWp — the fixed costs (scaffolding, travel, planning) are spread more efficiently.
Modules: standard modules are cheaper; premium and Swiss modules offer higher efficiency and longer warranties (up to 30 years).
Inverter: string inverters are standard; power optimisers or micro-inverters are worthwhile with shading.
Roof and mounting: a pitched tiled roof is cheapest; flat roof (elevated), in-roof and façade are progressively more expensive.
Additional costs: scaffolding, electrical installation, energy manager and the grid operator's connection fees.
Because of this range, it pays not to take the first offer that comes along but to compare several quotes.
Comparing solar offers: why it pays off
Between the cheapest and the most expensive offer for the same system, the gap in Switzerland is often up to 30 percent. For an 8 kWp system that quickly amounts to CHF 5,000 to 6,000. Anyone who requests only a single quote does not know whether the price is fair. When comparing several offers, pay attention to:
Turnkey total price: are scaffolding, electrical installation and registration included?
Component quality: which modules and which inverter, with what warranties?
Yield forecast: how many kWh does the installer predict for your roof?
References and experience: how long has the company been operating, are there reference installations?
Example calculation: 8 kWp solar system
Here is how subsidy and tax deduction affect the effective cost:
Investment cost (quoted price): around CHF 20,000
Less one-time remuneration (8 kWp × approx. CHF 360): approx. CHF 2,880
Less tax savings (around 30%): approx. CHF 5,100
Effective cost: around CHF 12,000
With around 8,000 kWh annual production, about 40 percent self-consumption and feeding the rest into the grid, the total return is on the order of CHF 1,500 per year — a payback in around 8 years. Calculate your individual figures in advance with the solar calculator.
Subsidies lower the cost across Switzerland
The federal one-time remuneration (EIV) covers part of the investment and is handled via Pronovo. On top of that, depending on where you live, there are cantonal and municipal programmes as well as the tax deduction, since in many cantons the investment can be deducted from taxable income. Which subsidies apply to your location is best known by local installers — another reason to compare regional offers.
How to get several quotes for free
All figures given are guide values for orientation. The actual cost of your solar system depends on the roof, components and region. Instead of contacting installers one by one, describe your project once and receive several no-obligation solar offers from vetted Swiss installers via the free quote comparison — that way you compare price and performance directly and find the best quote for your home.
