Winter Electricity Switzerland 2026: New Electricity Bonus for Photovoltaic Systems Changes the Marketwinter electricity

December 1, 2025

The Swiss government is setting new standards for the energy transition: Starting in 2026, a targeted winter electricity bonus will replace the previous altitude bonus. For investors and plant operators, this means new return opportunities provided the technical planning is precise.

Security of supply in winter is the central theme of energy policy in Switzerland. While photovoltaic systems often produce surpluses in summer, there is a lack of generation capacity during the dark months between October and March. The Federal Council has now reacted and passed a decisive mechanism: The Winter Electricity Bonus.

What is the New “Winter Electricity Bonus” in Switzerland?

At its meeting in late November 2025, the Federal Council decided to replace the previous altitude bonus with an efficiency-based winter electricity bonus. This regulation comes into force for all photovoltaic systems commissioned from January 1, 2026.

The goal is clearly defined: It is no longer just about where a system is located (altitude above sea level), but when it delivers power. Systems that produce an above-average amount of electricity in the critical winter half-year (October 1 to March 31) are financially rewarded.

The Criteria for the Bonus

For a solar installation to qualify for the new electricity bonus, two strict criteria must be met:

System Size: The installed capacity must be more than 100 kilowatts (kW). The subsidy is thus clearly aimed at commercial rooftop systems, ground-mounted systems, and alpine large-scale projects.
Winter Yield: The system must generate more than 500 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per installed kilowatt (kWp) during the winter half-year.

Expert Note: An average system in the Swiss Plateau often reaches only 250 to 300 kWh/kWp in winter. To crack the 500 kWh/kWp barrier, specializedPVSyst Photovoltaic Planningis necessary, taking into account factors such as tilt angle, bifacial modules, and albedo effects (snow reflection).

How is the Winter Electricity Bonus Calculated?

The calculation method is designed so that only true “winter performers” benefit. It is not a flat-rate subsidy, but a reward for excess performance.

The bonus is calculated on the surplus that lies above the threshold of 500 kWh/kW.

The Calculation Example

The Federal Council’s formula is:

Threshold: 500 kWh per kW installed capacity (winter yield).
Remuneration: 3.50 Swiss Francs (CHF) per kilowatt of installed capacity for every kilowatt-hour of specific winter electricity surplus.

This means: The bonus is deducted from the total yield (base value 500 kWh/kW) to ensure that only production significantly above the average is subsidized. This amount is generally granted as a one-time payment, based on the average yield of three winter seasons.

For photovoltaic systems subsidized via the sliding market premium, the amount of 3.50 CHF is spread over the 20 year remuneration period. This corresponds to 0.175 CHF per kW per year, multiplied by the winter electricity surplus.

Technical Prerequisites: How to Achieve High Winter Electricity Yields?

To cross the magic limit of 500 kWh/kW in winter, a standard installation on a flat roof is often insufficient. Engineering expertise is required here.

1. Alpine Locations and Altitude

Even though the “altitude bonus” has been replaced in name, alpine locations remain physically advantageous. Above the fog line, solar irradiation is significantly higher in winter.

2. Vertical Mounting and Tilt Angle

In winter, the sun stands low. Modules that are steeply tilted or mounted vertically on facades capture light better than flat-lying modules. Here, a statically sound PV Substructure is crucial to withstand high wind and snow loads.

3. Bifacial Technology and Albedo

In snowy regions, the ground reflects sunlight (Albedo effect). Bifacial (double-sided) solar modules can utilize this reflected light on the rear side and increase the yield by up to 30%. Precise AutoCAD Solar Planning helps to choose row spacing so that no shading occurs.

New Expansion Goals: 18.7 Terawatt-hours by 2030

The winter electricity bonus is part of a larger plan. The Federal Council has massively raised targets for renewable energies. According to the Federal Act on a Secure Electricity Supply, Switzerland aims to generate around 35 terawatt-hours (TWh) from renewable sources (excluding hydropower) by 2035.

The interim target for 2030 is:

Total Renewable Generation: 23 TWh
Of which from Photovoltaic Systems: 18.7 TWh

The new goals explicitly require that 5 TWh of this production occur during the winter months. This corresponds roughly to Switzerland’s current winter electricity imports. We must therefore replace import dependency with our own winter electricity.

Why the “Altitude Bonus” Had to Go

The previous altitude bonus (valid since 2023) subsidized systems from 1,500 meters above sea level that delivered at least 500 kWh/kW in winter. It covered up to 60% of investment costs.

The new model of the electricity bonus is more technology-open and geographically flexible. It rewards the actual performance in the grid, regardless of whether the system stands at 1,000 or 2,000 meters as long as it delivers efficiently. This promotes innovation in module technology and orientation, rather than just subsidizing the location.

Plan Now for 2026

For companies and investors in Switzerland, now is the time to develop projects that will go online from January 1, 2026. The key to securing the winter electricity bonus lies not in buying hardware, but in planning.

A system that produces just under 500 kWh/kW in winter loses cash. A system optimized to 600 or 700 kWh/kW through intelligent engineering generates massive additional revenue through the bonus.

Secure Your Winter Electricity Yield with Lion Solar Solutions

Do you want to know if your planned large-scale project meets the criteria for the Swiss winter electricity bonus? Do not rely on estimates.

At Lion Solar Solutions, we use state-of-the-art simulation software to forecast your winter yield exactly. From detailed PVSOL Planning to the static design of the substructure for alpine loads we make your project eligible for funding.

Schedule a Consultation Now