Financing a solar installation in Switzerland in 2026: cleverly combining loans, grants and tax relief

In Switzerland, a solar panel system for a detached house costs, depending on its size CHF 20,000 to 35,000 – with a personal loan of CHF 25,000 over a term of 120 months, your repayments start at around CHF 273 a month (5.8 % effective annual interest rate for homeowners). As a well-designed system saves several hundred to over a thousand francs in electricity costs each year, it effectively pays for a large part of the instalments itself – Compare the terms and conditions of several banks here, with no obligation.

How much does a solar power system cost in Switzerland?

For a typical system installed on a detached house with a capacity of 10 kWp, the cost currently ranges from around CHF 20,000 to 30,000, including installation and the inverter. A battery storage system adds a further CHF 8,000 to 15,000 to the bill. You can deduct the One-off payment from the Federal Government (Pronovo), which usually covers a significant proportion of the investment costs – however, it is only paid out once the system is up and running, which is why the full amount must be pre-financed initially. This is exactly where the loan comes in: it bridges the gap for the investment, whilst the grant and the electricity savings help to pay it off.

Calculation example: This is how much solar financing costs each month

The table shows the monthly repayments for two interest rate scenarios (annual percentage rate, annuity loan). We offer mortgages to homeowners from as low as 5.8 %, and to tenants from 6.9 %:

Important to note: For a loan of CHF 25,000 over 120 months, interest costs amount to around CHF 7,800 over the term; for 84 months, they amount to only around CHF 5,300. You should therefore choose the shortest term your household budget allows – and weigh this up against the annual electricity savings, which are often between CHF 800 and 1,500.

A loan, a mortgage top-up or savings?

There are three options to consider for the solar installation. The Mortgage increase offers favourable interest rates, but due to fixed costs and the bank’s credit check, it is usually only worthwhile for larger-scale renovations – and not every bank will top up the amount to CHF 25,000. The Savings is the cheapest option, but it reduces your cash reserves. The Personal loan It is paid out within a few days, requires no entry in the land register and remains independent of your mortgage – often the most practical solution for a one-off investment such as a solar panel system. It’s definitely worth comparing options: our page explains how to go about it Apply for a loan.

Tax-related information: In most cantons, a solar installation on an existing building is regarded as a tax-deductible property maintenance expense, and you can also deduct the interest on the loan from your taxable income.

Who are banks willing to grant solar financing to?

To be honest: a loan of between CHF 20,000 and 35,000 requires a solid financial position. Under the Consumer Credit Act (KKG), Swiss banks check three points. Firstly, the Creditworthiness: Your ZEK record should be clear; debt enforcement proceedings or certificates of loss generally lead to rejection. Secondly, the Portability: The instalment must be accommodated alongside all fixed costs – the bank calculates the household budget in accordance with KKG guidelines; for an instalment of CHF 300–400, a net income of around CHF 4,500 or more is usually expected. Thirdly, the Employment: permanent and not subject to termination; as a homeowner with a regular income, you belong to the highest-rated customer group and benefit from interest rates starting at 5.8 %. A B residence permit is available after 24 months’ employment in Switzerland.

How to apply for solar financing

1. Obtain quotes for the installation: Compare two or three quotes from plumbers and factor in the one-off payment from Pronovo.
2. Compare credit offers: By using an independent comparison service, you can request quotes from several banks – without affecting your ZEK record and with no obligation.
3. Submitting documents: Payslips for the last three months, identity document, debt collection register extract; if you are a homeowner, proof of ownership from the Land Registry or a tax certificate is often sufficient.
4. Payment after the withdrawal period: Once the statutory 14-day period has elapsed, the loan will be paid out – you pay the fitter in cash and secure any cash discounts.

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Frequently asked questions about solar financing

Is it actually worth taking out a loan for a solar panel system?

In many cases, yes: with annual electricity savings of CHF 1,000 to 1,500 and the feed-in tariff, the system covers a significant proportion of the loan repayments. Once the loan has been repaid, it continues to produce electricity practically free of charge for a further 15 to 20 years.

Are there any special solar loans with preferential interest rates?

Some banks offer ‘green’ loans with a small discount. However, what really matters is the annual percentage rate (APR) when you compare them – a cheap standard personal loan often beats the advertised eco-loan. Compare the two.

Can I get financial assistance for the battery storage system?

Yes. The personal loan is paid out for you to use as you wish – the system, storage, installation and any roof work can all be financed in a single lump sum.

What happens if I want to repay the loan early?

Under the KKG, you are free to repay the loan in full or in part at any time – the interest costs will be reduced accordingly. Our calculator shows you what your repayment would cost today: Redemption calculator.

Can I get a loan for a balcony power plant even if I’m a tenant?

You rarely need a loan for small electrical appliances. However, if you are a tenant and still wish to finance something – such as a share in a communal installation – you can obtain a Personal loan Effective from 6 September %.

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