Key points at a glance
- The appropriate system size is determined by the roof area, electricity consumption and future electrical equipment such as a heat pump or electric car.
- It is usually not the maximum-sized system, but the one matching your consumption, that is the most economical.
- Battery storage is not essential, but it can increase self-consumption.
- You should have a rough idea of costs and subsidies; the individual quote determines the details.
- Those who have roof data and annual consumption figures ready will receive more comparable quotes from the outset.
- As of 13.07.2026
- Source: Guide “Solar system for the single-family home in Switzerland: planning, size and process”
Which roof surfaces are suitable?
For a single-family home, most roofs are suitable – the decisive factors are area, orientation, slope and shading.
South-facing roofs yield the highest output, but east-west roofs are also well suited and distribute production over the course of the day, which benefits self-consumption. Shading from trees, chimneys or neighbouring buildings reduces the yield and should be taken into account during planning. The condition of the roof and its structural integrity also play a role: if a roof renovation is already planned, it may be sensible to coordinate this with the installation.
How large should the solar system be?
The system size is not determined solely by the available roof area, but by your consumption – today and in the future.
As a rule of thumb: the more electricity you can use yourself, the more worthwhile a larger system is. Those who operate a heat pump or charge an electric car have a higher demand and can consume more solar power themselves.
An oversized system, whose electricity is mostly fed into the grid, is less economically attractive because the feed-in remuneration is lower than the purchase price. Conversely, an undersized system leaves potential unused. The appropriate size lies in between and depends on your individual profile.
What information does a specialist installer need?
To enable a specialist installer to create a reliable quote, the following details are helpful:
- Address and year of construction of the house
- Roof area, roof shape, orientation and pitch
- Roof condition and covering
- Annual electricity consumption (kWh)
- Existing or planned electrical equipment (heat pump, electric car, wallbox)
- Interest in battery storage or backup power
solar-guide.ch recommends: When designing the system, think about the coming years – a planned heat pump or an electric car noticeably increases consumption and influences the appropriate size of the solar system. Have roof data and your annual consumption ready before you request quotes. This makes the quotes easier to compare from the start.
What does a solar system cost?
Three example systems with indicative prices based on actual Swiss quotes. Your quote will show your exact price.
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Small single-family home
5 kWp · around 25–30 m² of module area
from CHF 11’200
after deducting a federal one-off payment of around CHF 1’800
Depending on location, further subsidies from the canton or municipality
Price depends on the choice of components
Small roof area, low consumption, no heat pump or electric car.
Compare quotes -
Typical single-family home
10 kWp · around 50–60 m² of module area
from CHF 18’400
after deducting a federal one-off payment of around CHF 3’600
Depending on location, further subsidies from the canton or municipality
Price depends on the choice of components
4-person household, heat pump or electric car possible.
Compare quotes -
Large single-family home, small apartment building
20 kWp · around 100–120 m² of module area
from CHF 28’800
after deducting a federal one-off payment of around CHF 7’200
Depending on location, further subsidies from the canton or municipality
Price depends on the choice of components
Large roof, apartment building, ZEV or high self-consumption.
Compare quotes
Indicative prices for a turnkey on-roof system without battery storage.
- As of 11.07.2026
- Source: guide “Photovoltaic costs per m²”, specialist installers in the solar-guide.ch partner network
Frequently asked questions
How large should a solar system for a single-family home be?
This depends on roof area, electricity consumption and future electrical equipment such as a heat pump or electric car. The most economical option is usually the system whose electricity you can use yourself to a large extent.
Do I definitely need a battery storage system?
No. A battery storage system is optional. It increases self-consumption but is mainly worthwhile if evening and night consumption is high. If daytime consumption is high, a system without storage can also be sensible.
Can I add a battery later?
In many cases, yes. If the system is planned accordingly from the start, it facilitates a later retrofit. Discuss this with your specialist installer.
Is every roof suitable?
Most roofs are suitable, provided that the area, orientation, pitch and shading are appropriate and the structural integrity allows it. A reliable assessment is carried out on site.
How long does the installation take?
The actual installation often takes only a few days. From the request through quotes and permits to commissioning, several weeks to months pass depending on the provider.