Anyone building a new photovoltaic system in Switzerland will sooner or later come across Pronovo. This office handles the most important national subsidy for solar systems: the one-off payment. This guide explains what the Pronovo subsidy covers, how KLEIV, GREIV and HEIV differ, and what to pay attention to when submitting an application.
Important to note: This page is for orientation purposes only and does not replace subsidy or legal advice. Binding information is provided by Pronovo, the Federal Office of Energy and your specialist installer.
Key points at a glance
The key points of this section can be summarised compactly:
- The one-off payment (EIV) is a single investment contribution, not an ongoing tariff. It is paid out after commissioning.
- There are three programmes: KLEIV for small systems, GREIV for large systems, and HEIV for systems without self-consumption.
- KLEIV and GREIV amount to a maximum of around 30 percent of the investment costs of reference systems.
- The application is submitted via the Pronovo customer portal, usually after commissioning. The specialist installer often handles this.
- Cantonal and municipal subsidy programmes can often be used additionally.
Pronovo reduces investment costs, but the amount and process depend on system size, timing and current subsidy rates.
- As of 11.07.2026
What role does Pronovo play?
Pronovo is the federal accredited enforcement and certification body for the promotion of renewable energies. New photovoltaic systems have not been supported since 2018 through a continuous cost-covering feed-in remuneration, but rather through one-off payments. Pronovo reviews applications, issues funding commitments, and processes payments. In addition, Pronovo operates the certificate of origin system, which documents the ecological value of solar electricity.
What is the one-off payment?
The one-off payment is a single subsidy towards the investment costs. It consists of a basic contribution and a performance-dependent contribution. The amount of the remuneration depends on the commissioning date, the system’s capacity in kilowatt-peak, and the type of system – that is, whether the modules are attached to the building, free-standing, or integrated into the building.
Unlike the previous model, the amount does not depend on how much electricity the system actually feeds into the grid. The contribution is paid out after commissioning and inspection of the system.
What do KLEIV, GREIV and HEIV mean?
The three programmes differ mainly in terms of system size and whether the system has self-consumption:
| Programme | For which systems | Briefly explained |
|---|---|---|
| KLEIV – small one-off payment | Systems up to 100 kW | The typical subsidy for single-family homes and smaller apartment buildings. Together with GREIV, up to around 30% of the investment costs of reference systems. |
| GREIV – large one-off payment | Systems from 100 kW | For larger roofs, commercial properties, and sites. The contribution is determined on a project-by-project basis, also with an upper limit of around 30 %. |
| HEIV – high one-off payment | Systems without self-consumption, approx. 2 kW to 149.99 kW | For systems that feed in their entire production. The contribution can be higher (up to around 60 % of the costs of reference systems). From 150 kW, the allocation of HEIV and sliding market premium is done via auctions. |
In addition, there are various bonuses, for example for highly inclined or facade-integrated system components as well as for certain systems with high winter electricity yield. These bonuses are linked to specific technical requirements and commissioning data and are granted in addition to the basic contribution. Pronovo continuously publishes the respective applicable rates and requirements – it is worth checking the current values before any planning.
Who can apply for a subsidy?
An application for a one-off payment can in principle be submitted by any operator of a photovoltaic system. The system must have a certain minimum output and a fixed location. For owner-occupied homes and smaller apartment buildings, KLEIV is usually applicable.
Eligible applicants can submit the application themselves or authorise a third party – often this is the installing specialist installer.
Which documents are required?
The specific requirements vary depending on the program. For KLEIV, the acceptance protocol created by the specialist installer is typically required; alternatively, the safety certificate and the measurement and testing protocol may apply. In addition, proof of unique identification of the property and ownership as well as payment details are required.
Which documents are required in individual cases is shown in the Pronovo customer portal when filling out the application. The specialist installer knows the process and can take over the entry.
When should the application be submitted?
For KLEIV, the application is submitted after commissioning. For larger systems, an application can sometimes be filed before commissioning. Due to high demand, there may be waiting times between the application and payment; applications are processed in the order they are received. It is worth checking the process and current waiting times with Pronovo early on.
How can Pronovo and local subsidies be combined?
The national one-off payment can often be combined with programs from the canton, municipality, or energy supplier. These regional programs vary greatly – some subsidize the solar system, others storage, charging infrastructure, or the overall renovation. For cantonal and municipal contributions, applications often need to be submitted before construction begins. An overview of regional programs is available on the Energiefranken platform.
You can read how subsidies affect total costs on the page What does a solar system for a single-family home cost. An overview of further funding opportunities can be found under Subsidies for photovoltaic systems in Switzerland.
Who subsidises what?
The most important influencing factors are compared in the following overview:
| Level | Typical subsidy | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Federal | One-off payment via Pronovo (KLEIV, GREIV, HEIV) | National investment contribution |
| Canton | Additional contributions, partly for storage or renovation | Varies significantly, sometimes application required before construction begins |
| Municipality | Local subsidy programmes | Not available everywhere |
| Energy supplier | Own programmes, remuneration origin certificates | Depending on the grid area |
For a reliable assessment, these points should always be considered together with location, consumption and specific quote.
What should be checked before the quote?
Before the quote, above all the subsidy questions that affect the process and economic viability should be clarified:
| Check point | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Which EIV category applies? | Determines the process and approximate contribution amount |
| Current rates and bonuses at Pronovo | Values are adjusted regularly |
| Cantonal/municipal programmes | In some cases, an application is required before construction begins |
| Who submits the application? | The specialist installer usually takes care of this |
| Tax treatment | Varies by canton |
This makes it easier to see quickly whether a quote is complete, comparable and plausibly structured.
What mistakes are frequently made regarding subsidies?
The key influencing factors can be summarised in a few points:
- The subsidy is forgotten or incorrectly included in the payback calculation.
- Cantonal and municipal applications are submitted too late.
- Outdated rates are used, even though Pronovo adjusts the values.
- The timing of the application is not coordinated with the specialist installer.
For a reliable assessment, these points should always be considered together with location, consumption and specific quote.
Why do specialist installers help with planning?
An experienced specialist installer knows the current subsidy models, the appropriate category for your system and the application process. They can include relevant subsidy options in the planning and often take over the application submission. This reduces effort and the risk of errors.
solar-guide.ch recommends: Check the currently valid rates and bonuses directly with Pronovo, as these are adjusted regularly – do not calculate with outdated values. Also clarify early on whether cantonal or municipal applications must be submitted before construction begins. This often cannot be corrected afterwards.
Conclusion
The Pronovo subsidy is the central national component for reducing the investment in a photovoltaic system. Which category applies, how high the contribution will be and which regional programmes are added depends on the specific project. The easiest way to clarify this is together with a specialist installer.
Subsidies significantly influence the cost-effectiveness of a photovoltaic system. Appropriate specialist installers can take relevant subsidy options into account during planning. Via solar-guide.ch, you can forward your request free of charge and without obligation to up to three suitable specialist installers.
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Frequently asked questions and answers
What is the Pronovo subsidy?
This is the one-off payment – a one-time investment contribution for photovoltaic systems, processed through Pronovo and paid out after commissioning.
What is the difference between KLEIV, GREIV and HEIV?
KLEIV applies to systems up to 100 kW, GREIV to systems from 100 kW and HEIV to systems without self-consumption. KLEIV and GREIV amount to a maximum of around 30 percent of the investment costs of reference systems, while HEIV can be higher.
Who applies for the subsidy?
The operator of the system is eligible to apply. In many cases, the specialist installer submits the application on their behalf.
Can I combine Pronovo with cantonal subsidies?
In many cases, yes. Cantonal and municipal programmes are designed differently; in some cases, applications must be submitted before construction begins. Check the regional programmes early on.
How long does the payout take?
This depends on current demand. Applications are processed in the order of receipt; there may be waiting times. Current information can be found at Pronovo.
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