Key points at a glance
- The solar power from your own roof can be used directly by the residents and reduces their energy costs.
- Surplus electricity is fed into the public grid; the feed-in remuneration varies depending on the recipient.
- In condominium ownership, only a subset of owners may finance the system and receive an exclusive right of use in return.
- Without your own investment, it is possible with an external operator who builds and operates the system at their own cost (contracting).
- The roof area is often limited in relation to the number of residents; facades or balconies can provide additional space.
Financing in condominium ownership
The installation of a solar system is an expensive undertaking that must be financed by the condominium owners.
Not all condominium owners are willing or able to contribute to the costs, which can lead to conflicts within the community. One way to circumvent this problem is to separate the cost contribution from the decision on the installation of the solar system.
The solar system can also be financed by only a part of the condominium ownership community. In return, these owners are granted an exclusive right to use the system. Co-owners who are not involved in the financing today can be granted the right to purchase a share later, and thus the right to co-use the system later. A clear definition of usage rights and cost sharing in an amendment to the regulations of the condominium ownership community helps to avoid conflicts.
If no financing can be secured this way, the roof can be made available to an external operator for a fee. This operator installs and operates the solar system at its own expense (contracting). The investment by the condominium ownership is eliminated, but it also forfeits the possible revenue from electricity production.
Roof area and maintenance
In apartment buildings, the roof area is often limited in relation to the number of residents. It can be difficult to install a system that covers the entire electricity demand of the building. In some cases, the system is distributed across multiple roofs, or façades and balconies are used, which can lead to higher costs and additional effort.
A solar system requires regular maintenance to function safely and reliably. In apartment buildings with many owners and units, an external service provider is usually commissioned for this.
Frequently asked questions
Do I really receive “only” 3 quotes?
Yes, and that is intentional: We pass your details exclusively to a maximum of three vetted specialist installers from our partner network. This keeps your data protected and provides an optimal balance between choice and effort. All specialist installers are members of Swissolar.
Who are the providers that create quotes?
Carefully selected specialist installers from your region. All are members of Swissolar: Membership is a prerequisite for inclusion and ongoing collaboration. In addition, we regularly check the quality of advice and customer feedback. You alone decide which quote suits you best and whether to commission an installer.
Are the quotes really free of charge and non-binding?
Yes. The quotes cost you nothing and commit you to nothing. You decide for yourself whether and with which specialist installer you want to work together.
Who pays for the solar-guide.ch service?
The specialist installers in our partner network. For every request we pass on to them, they pay us a fixed amount. For you, our service and the quotes remain free of charge.
How quickly will I receive the quotes?
You usually receive the first quotes within a few days. The exact duration depends on the availability of the specialist installers and the condition of your property.
What does a solar system cost and when does it pay off?
The costs depend on system size (kWp), roof shape, installation effort, components, and additional wishes such as a battery storage. When the system pays for itself is determined by self-consumption, electricity price, remuneration, and subsidies. In your quote, you will see both calculated concretely.
Are subsidies taken into account?
Yes. Specialist installers take into account the subsidies from the federal government, canton and municipality in the quote. The definitive amount depends on location, system size and the applicable programmes and is checked with the quote.