Key points at a glance
- Agricultural businesses often have large roof areas that are well suited for photovoltaics.
- Solar electricity is particularly interesting if part of it can be consumed directly on the farm.
- The most important subsidy is usually the national one-off payment via Pronovo in 2026.
- KLEIV may apply to systems with self-consumption and a capacity below 100 kW; GREIV may apply to systems of 100 kW or more.
- Agricultural businesses should additionally check whether battery storage can be supported as part of structural improvements.
- Agri-PV on agricultural land is a special case and should not be equated with a standard roof installation on a barn or shed.
- As of 11.07.2026
- Source: Guide “Solar System Agriculture: Photovoltaics for Farms in Switzerland”
Which roof areas are suitable on a farm?
Not every large roof is automatically a good solar roof. What matters is whether the area is technically, economically, and structurally suitable.
| Building type | Potential | What to look for? |
|---|---|---|
| Barn | often large roof area | Structure, roof condition, fire protection |
| Animal shed | Good self-consumption possible | Moisture, ventilation, fire protection |
| Shed | often simple installation | Orientation, shading |
| Machinery shed | Large area, good accessibility | Grid connection, cable routes |
| Farm shop or cold room | promising self-consumption potential | Load profile, cooling, metering concept |
The condition of the roof is particularly important. If a roof renovation is due in the coming years anyway, it should be coordinated with the photovoltaic planning. The structural integrity is also central: older barns, stables, or fibre cement roofs must be professionally inspected. For asbestos-containing materials, additional regulations and safety measures must be observed.
What subsidies are available in 2026?
For agricultural businesses, there is currently no flat-rate nationwide special subsidy exclusively for farms in 2026.
Most relevant are the general subsidy instruments for photovoltaic systems, as well as possible cantonal, municipal, or energy supplier-related programmes. The most important national subsidy is the one-off payment, which is processed through Pronovo:
| Funding instrument | For which systems? | Relevance for agriculture |
|---|---|---|
| KLEIV | PV systems with self-consumption and a capacity below 100 kW | many smaller farm systems |
| GREIV | PV systems with self-consumption and a capacity of 100 kW or more | larger barns, stables and halls |
| HEIV | Systems without self-consumption from 2 kW to 149.99 kW | possible option for full feed-in |
For battery storage, the information sheet of the Swiss Farmers’ Union mentions a subsidy under the Structural Improvement Ordinance: CHF 100 per kWh of storage capacity each from the federal government and the canton. Whether a business meets the requirements and whether the application must be submitted before implementation should be clarified directly with the cantonal agricultural office or the responsible structural improvement office.
When is a solar system particularly worthwhile in agriculture?
| Situation | Assessment |
|---|---|
| large, intact roof area | very good prerequisite |
| high daytime consumption | Good for self-consumption |
| Cooling, ventilation, irrigation | often matching the solar production |
| System from 100 kW | Check GREIV and winter electricity bonus |
| ageing roof | clarify renovation and structure first |
| weak grid connection | Self-consumption and storage are more important |
| full feed-in | Check the economics carefully |
| Agri-PV on land | Special case with permit review |
Not every solar system needs to be as large as possible. What matters is which solution suits the farm. A smaller system well-tuned for self-consumption can be more economically sensible than a very large system with difficult feed-in.
Frequently asked questions
What subsidy is available in 2026 for solar systems in agriculture?
For agricultural businesses, the general photovoltaic subsidy instruments generally apply. The one-off payment via Pronovo is particularly important. Depending on the size of the system and self-consumption, KLEIV, GREIV, HEIV or auctions may be applicable. In addition, cantonal, municipal, energy supplier-related and, in the case of battery storage, structural improvement-related subsidy options should be checked.
Is there a special solar subsidy only for farmers?
As of now, there is no blanket nationwide special subsidy solely for farms. Agricultural businesses mainly benefit from the general PV subsidies. However, structural improvements must be specifically examined, especially if a battery storage system is part of the project.
Is photovoltaics worthwhile on a barn roof?
Often yes, if the roof is large, intact and well oriented. However, structural suitability, grid connection, self-consumption and feed-in tariff paid by the grid operator are also decisive. A concrete assessment is only possible with an individual quote.
What is the difference between rooftop PV and agri-PV?
Rooftop PV uses existing buildings such as barns, stables or halls. Agri-PV uses agricultural land dually: for production and power generation. Agri-PV requires more permits and planning and must be checked separately.
Can a farm consume its own solar power?
Yes. Many agricultural electricity uses are suitable for self-consumption, such as cooling, ventilation, milking technology, irrigation, farm shop, heat pump, or e-mobility. The higher the self-consumption, the more economically interesting the system can be.
Is a battery storage system worthwhile for agricultural businesses?
This depends on the consumption profile. With high daytime consumption, a storage system is often less important. With evening or night consumption, a low feed-in tariff paid by the grid operator, or a desire for backup power, a storage system can be sensible. Additionally, it should be checked whether support related to structural improvements is possible.
What needs to be considered for grid connection?
For larger systems, it must be checked early on how much power can be fed into the grid. The grid connection can influence the maximum system size or the economic viability. Therefore, this clarification should be carried out with the local grid operator before the final quote.
Who helps with the subsidy application?
Often, specialist installers assist in preparing or submitting the subsidy documents. However, the responsibility and exact procedures should be clearly regulated in the quote. For structural improvements, the responsible cantonal agricultural or structural improvement office must also be involved.
More on this in the guide
- Agricultural solar system: Photovoltaics for farms in Switzerland
- Pronovo subsidy
- Feed-in remuneration in Switzerland
- Photovoltaic system with battery storage
Sources
- Pronovo: Photovoltaic subsidy
- Swissolar: PV subsidy and new developments
- Sonnendach: Solar potential of roof and facade surfaces
- Swiss Farmers’ Union: photovoltaic systems on agricultural buildings