Zurich is the largest PV market in Switzerland and at the same time very locally characterized. For 2026: Pronovo is the basis, cantonal subsidy should be checked in the context of building envelope and PV-related renovation, while the city of Zurich and individual municipalities may have their own programs.
Key points at a glance
For subsidies in the canton of Zurich, these points matter most in 2026:
- Pronovo is the national foundation for standard PV.
- The canton of Zurich provides PV-related contributions, particularly in connection with thermal insulation and building measures.
- The City of Zurich or ewz offer their own solar energy and plug-and-play services.
- EKZ, ewz, Stadtwerk Winterthur and local utilities determine feed-in and HKN.
- MFH, ZEV/vZEV and LEG are particularly important in the canton of Zurich.
The specific subsidy always depends on address, system, building condition, grid operator, and deadlines of the respective program.
- As of 11.07.2026
Federal subsidy 2026 at a glance
For photovoltaic systems, there are one-off payments nationwide via Pronovo. The most important instruments are:
- KLEIV - One-off payment for systems with less than 100 kW capacity.
- 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.
- Auctions and other instruments - for larger systems without self-consumption, auctions, the sliding market premium or other subsidy instruments may apply depending on the project.
- Additional bonuses - depending on the system, winter electricity, tilt angle, or parking area bonuses may be relevant.
Deadlines are not the same for all instruments. The KLEIV is generally applied for after commissioning. For GREIV, HEIV, auctions as well as cantonal or municipal programmes, other deadlines may apply; they should be checked before ordering or starting construction.
Cantonal subsidies in the canton of Zurich
For standard photovoltaic systems, Pronovo is primarily relevant in the canton of Zurich. Cantonal additional contributions should be examined in the reviewed status, particularly in connection with the building envelope, thermal insulation and PV-related renovation measures.
The City of Zurich and ewz have their own programmes in the field of solar energy, including PV-related subsidies and plug-and-play solar systems. These do not automatically apply to the entire canton.
For apartment buildings, commercial properties and condominium ownership, subsidies should be checked together with the self-consumption model, grid operator, billing and permit.
Urban and municipal subsidies
What the canton does not cover across the board is partially offset by individual cities and municipalities.
City of Zurich / ewz
The City of Zurich will adjust its subsidy rates for solar systems as of 1 August 2026 and is introducing a new subsidy for stationary battery storage (from 3 kWh capacity). ewz processes the applications on behalf of the city via the digital portal of the municipal energy subsidy programme. The process is two-stage: first, a basic application to the canton, then municipal forwarding. Requirement: registration before construction begins.
Balcony power plants: ewz customers receive a contribution per panel (from 250 W), tiered up to a maximum of two panels.
Further municipalities: Winterthur, Uster, Wetzikon, Illnau-Effretikon, Volketswil and other cities in the Zürcher Oberland and Weinland regions maintain their own programmes with partly very different contributions and conditions. In addition to the federal and cantonal levels, municipalities, cities or energy suppliers may also offer their own subsidy programmes. Therefore, the subsidy should always be checked based on the specific address – most easily via Energiefranken.ch and the homepage of the local energy supplier.
Tax notes in the canton of Zurich
The Zurich tax guide covers energy-saving and environmentally friendly investments. For existing buildings, PV costs can generally be tax-relevant; subsidies reduce the deductible amount. For new builds, replacement new builds, and value-increasing shares, clear demarcation is important. There is no uniform 10-kWp tax-free threshold across Switzerland.
Important: Feed-in remuneration, self-consumption and subsidies are treated differently depending on cantonal tax practice. Therefore, larger systems, new builds and special cases should be clarified in advance with the tax office or fiduciary.
Feed-in remuneration and feed-in tariffs in the canton of Zurich
Feed-in tariffs paid by the grid operator are not uniform across cantons; the specific grid operator is decisive. From 2026 onwards, if no agreement is reached between the grid operator and the system operator, the quarterly reference market price calculated by the federal government applies. Minimum remuneration rates exist for photovoltaic systems under 150 kW; for systems up to 30 kW, this rate is 6 Rp./kWh. Certificates of origin, local green electricity models and specific grid operator tariffs must be checked separately. Details on the page Feed-in Remuneration Switzerland.
Economically, self-consumption remains central. For apartment buildings, sites, and mixed-use buildings, ZEV, vZEV, and from 2026 local electricity communities (LEG) should be considered. A LEG is not an automatic return guarantee, but a new option that must fit the project technically, legally, and economically.
Permits and insurance in the canton of Zurich
Many adapted roof systems are subject to notification. In core zones, for protected objects, ISOS/townscape issues, facade systems, flat roof structures, or freestanding systems, specific clarification is required. The GVZ should be involved for value-adding PV systems and coverage questions.
In the canton of Zurich, the Gebäudeversicherung Kanton Zürich GVZ is relevant for building insurance. Owners should clarify whether the photovoltaic system, roof renovation and any battery storage are correctly included in the insured sum and coverage.
Who benefits most from photovoltaics in the canton of Zurich?
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 often particularly attractive |
| E-car present or planned | Control charging times, if necessary with ewz charging infrastructure |
| Apartment building / condominium ownership | Check ZEV, vZEV and LEG from 2026 onwards |
| Commercial / Area | Daily consumption often matches well with solar production |
| Small or shaded roof | Have it calculated precisely, possibly check east-west orientation |
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, municipality and grid area determine
- Check roof area, orientation, pitch and shading
- Calculate system size in kWp and expected annual/winter yield
- Check Pronovo instrument: KLEIV, GREIV, HEIV or for large systems auction/GMP
- Zurich: Check city/municipality programmes, EKZ/ewz grid area and apartment building self-consumption
- Check subsidy deadlines for each programme: KLEIV usually after commissioning, local programmes often earlier
- Tax deduction: separate existing building, new build/replacement new build and subsidy contributions
- Check the feed-in tariff paid by the grid operator, HKN and any possible green electricity models with the grid operator
- Realistically calculate self-consumption, battery storage, heat pump, electric car, ZEV/vZEV and LEG
- Clarify permit, protected objects, building insurance and any private additional coverage
With this information, the specialist installer can assess subsidy, self-consumption and technical design significantly more robustly.
solar-guide.ch recommends: In the canton of Zurich, the address strongly influences additional subsidies and grid conditions. The city of Zurich, Winterthur, the EKZ area and smaller municipalities should be assessed separately.
Conclusion
In the canton of Zurich, Pronovo is the basis in 2026; the concrete added value arises through city/municipality programmes, building envelope, grid operator, self-consumption and tax deduction.
Via solar-guide.ch, you can have your request forwarded to a maximum of 3 suitable specialist installers. Subsidy, tax, and grid conditions should be checked directly with Pronovo, the canton, the municipality, and the grid operator before placing the final order.
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Frequently asked questions and answers
What subsidies for solar systems are available in the canton of Zurich in 2026?
Nationwide, the one-off payment via Pronovo (KLEIV, from 100 kW GREIV/HEIV, winter electricity bonus from 2026). No general cantonal direct PV subsidy, but programmes for large-scale storage, charging infrastructure and building renovation. Cities and municipalities – in particular the city of Zurich via ewz – supplement with their own contributions.
Are there cantonal contributions in addition to the Pronovo subsidy?
Currently not applicable for standard PV systems on single-family homes. The canton subsidises large-scale storage, charging infrastructure and energy renovations. Additional contributions come from cities and municipalities.
Is battery storage subsidised in the canton of Zurich?
The canton does not subsidise standard battery storage. However, the City of Zurich has introduced a subsidy for stationary battery storage of 3 kWh or more from 1 August 2026. Additionally, check your municipality.
Are there municipal contributions for photovoltaics?
Yes, in many Zurich municipalities – amounts and conditions vary significantly. Overview on Energiefranken.ch or directly with your municipality.
Can I deduct a solar system for tax purposes?
For existing buildings, yes, generally fully as property maintenance. For new builds, the system is part of the construction cost. The deduction can often be spread over several tax years. Subsidies received are deducted from the deductible amount.
Who helps with the subsidy application?
Your specialist installer will usually handle the registration with Pronovo on your behalf. Applications to the city and municipality must be submitted by you or your installer in a timely manner – before construction begins.
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