Solothurn has a good mix of single-family homes, commercial and industrial properties. The industrial areas in the Mittelland are attractive for large rooftop systems with a high self-consumption rate. This page provides an overview of which subsidies apply to photovoltaics in the canton of Solothurn in 2026 – from the federal level through canton and municipalities to the tax deduction – and what you should pay attention to during planning.
Key points at a glance
For the subsidy in this canton, three levels are particularly important: federal subsidy, local additional programs, and tax treatment:
- Pronovo is the national subsidy basis – also in the canton of Solothurn.
- Cantonal and municipal programs differ significantly and are regularly adjusted; they should be checked on a location-specific basis.
- The tax deduction is an important lever for existing buildings; cantonal practice may differ in details.
- Feed-in tariffs paid by the grid operator are not uniform across cantons and depend on the local grid operator.
- A good quote takes into account subsidies, self-consumption, storage, and the specific building situation.
This makes the direction clear: The specific subsidy always depends on address, system size, building type and grid operator.
- As of 11.07.2026
Federal subsidy 2026 at a glance
New photovoltaic systems are subsidised nationwide through the one-off payment from Pronovo:
- KLEIV – One-off payment for systems with less than 100 kW output (typical for single-family homes).
- GREIV – One-off payment for systems of 100 kW or more.
- HEIV – High one-off payment for systems without self-consumption from 2 kW to 149.99 kW.
- PV auctions / sliding market premium – check separately for larger systems without self-consumption.
- Winter electricity bonus (new from 1.1.2026): Supplements the one-off payment for systems of 100 kW or more with a winter yield of more than 500 kWh per kW of installed capacity. Replaces the previous altitude bonus.
Details on the programmes: Pronovo subsidy and Photovoltaic subsidies in Switzerland.
Cantonal subsidies in the canton of Solothurn
In the canton of Solothurn, subsidies for standard photovoltaic systems are primarily provided by Pronovo. The cantonal energy subsidy program mainly supports building envelopes, heating replacements, thermal solar systems, heat networks, and Minergie projects. For PV systems, municipal subsidies and contributions from local energy suppliers should also be checked.
Municipal and energy supplier subsidies
In addition to the federal government and the canton, municipalities, cities, or energy suppliers may also offer their own subsidy programmes. Therefore, subsidies should always be checked based on the specific address. In the canton of Solothurn, AEK, Regio Energie Solothurn, and local utilities are the most relevant grid operators; feed-in tariffs paid by the grid operator and any additional programmes vary depending on the network area.
Tax notes in the canton of Solothurn
Tax-wise, Solothurn distinguishes between existing buildings and new builds. For existing buildings, photovoltaic systems may be deductible as an energy-saving and environmental protection measure. For new builds or replacement new builds, the costs are considered capital expenditure instead.
Feed-in remuneration is treated on a net basis; only the surplus over the costs of electricity purchased from the same supplier is taxable. Self-consumed solar electricity is not taxed as imputed rent.
Feed-in remuneration and feed-in tariffs in the canton of Solothurn
Feed-in tariffs paid by the grid operator are not uniform across cantons; the grid operator is decisive. From 2026 onwards, if there is no agreement between the grid operator and the system operator, the quarterly calculated reference market price of the Federal Council serves as the basis. Minimum remuneration applies to photovoltaic systems under 150 kW; for systems up to 30 kW, this amount is 6 Rp./kWh. Guarantees of origin and local green electricity models should be checked separately. Details on the page Feed-in Remuneration Switzerland.
Economically, self-consumption is the decisive lever. Whether a storage system is worthwhile is clarified on the page PV system with storage; for apartment buildings and areas, association for self-consumption (ZEV), vZEV and from 2026 also local electricity communities (LEG) should be considered.
Who benefits most from photovoltaics in the canton of Solothurn?
Typical situations can be categorised for this canton as follows:
| Situation | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Single-family home with a good roof | Often worth checking, EIV + tax deduction have a strong effect |
| Heat pump present or planned | Self-consumption particularly valuable |
| E-car present or planned | Charging times matter, EMS is worthwhile |
| Apartment building / condominium ownership | Check ZEV, vZEV and LEG from 2026 onwards |
| Commercial / Agriculture | Daily consumption often matches well with solar production |
| Small or shaded roof | Get an exact calculation |
What remains decisive is how well roof area, self-consumption, subsidies, and feed-in tariff paid by the grid operator work together.
Checklist before the quote
Before requesting a quote, this information should be available so that the subsidy and cost-effectiveness can be checked properly:
- Address and municipality
- Roof area, orientation, slope, shading
- System size in kWp
- Current electricity consumption and future outlook (heat pump, electric car)
- Storage yes/no
- Solar thermal additionally?
- Tax deduction: Is it sensible to spread it over several years?
- Grid operator and feed-in tariff paid by the grid operator
- Cantonal programmes and municipality contributions (Energiefranken)
- Check the subsidy process early: KLEIV is generally paid after commissioning; for GREIV, HEIV, as well as cantonal or municipal programmes, different deadlines may apply.
With this information, the specialist installer can assess subsidy, self-consumption and technical design significantly more robustly.
solar-guide.ch recommends: Solothurn handles feed-in remuneration according to the net principle. A flat 20-kWp limit should not be applied without an up-to-date official source.
Conclusion
In the canton of Solothurn, several levels interact in 2026: a one-off payment from the federal government, cantonal or municipal contributions, feed-in tariff paid by the grid operator, self-consumption, and tax deduction. Check specific amounts and deadlines for your location; depending on the programme, the application is submitted before construction begins or only after commissioning.
Would you like to know which subsidy is available for your solar system in the canton of Solothurn? You can submit your request free of charge and without obligation via solar-guide.ch. Your request will be forwarded to a maximum of three suitable specialist installers from your region.
Request quotes free of charge and without obligation
Frequently asked questions and answers
What subsidies for solar systems are available in the canton of Solothurn in 2026?
Nationally, the one-off payment via Pronovo (KLEIV/GREIV/HEIV) and from 2026 the winter electricity bonus for larger systems. Cantonal programmes focus on building renovation, heating replacement and consulting – specific contributions should be checked based on location.
Are there cantonal contributions in addition to the Pronovo subsidy?
This depends on the current programme. The main contribution for standard PV usually comes via the one-off payment; cantonal and municipal additional contributions are possible in specific cases. Overview: Energiefranken.
Is battery storage subsidised in the canton of Solothurn?
There is no comprehensive federal or cantonal subsidy for battery storage in 2026. Individual municipalities or energy suppliers may provide contributions – check via Energiefranken.
Are there municipal contributions for photovoltaics?
In some municipalities yes, with very different rates. Amounts and deadlines change; overview on Energiefranken.
Can I deduct a solar system for tax purposes?
For existing buildings, generally yes, as property maintenance. Subsidies received are deducted from the deductible amount. The cantonal tax office provides binding information.
Who helps with the subsidy application?
Your specialist installer usually handles the application to Pronovo on your behalf. Cantonal and municipal applications should be submitted by you or your installer in good time – before construction begins.
