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 a building under condominium ownership, a group of owners can finance the system on their own and receive exclusive rights to use it in return.
- An external operator can build and run the system at its own expense, so you do not need to invest yourself (contracting).
- The roof area is often limited in relation to the number of residents; facades or balconies can provide additional space.
Financing for condominium owners
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 owners’ association. 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 share use of the system later. A clear definition of usage rights and cost sharing in an amendment to the regulations of the condominium owners’ association 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 condominium owners’ association does not need to invest, but it also forgoes 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.
Which providers prepare the 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 are free and carry no obligation. You decide whether to work with a specialist installer and which one to choose.
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 will usually receive the first quotes within a few days. The exact time depends on the availability of the specialist installers and the characteristics of your property.
What does a solar system cost and when does it pay off?
Costs depend on system capacity (kWp), roof shape, installation work, components and any extras, such as battery storage. The payback period depends on self-consumption, electricity prices, remuneration and subsidies. Your quote includes specific calculations for both costs and the payback period.
Are subsidies taken into account?
Yes. Specialist installers account for subsidies from the federal government, canton and municipality in the quote. The final amount depends on the location, system size and current programmes and is checked when the quote is prepared.