Everything you need to know about the grid connection of your photovoltaic system
Anyone who opts for a photovoltaic system (PVS) on their own roof also needs to know how the connection to the grid works. We have put together all the key steps for you here – for systems with and without grid constructions. You will also find further important information here.
Why it’s worth investing in an energy storage system
- Higher self-consumption: Stored solar power is also available to you in the evening and at night.
- Lower electricity bill: The more solar power you use yourself, the less electricity you need to draw from the grid.
- Greater independence: Higher self-consumption makes you less dependent on future tariff changes.
- Optimised control: An energy management system (EMS) automatically ensures that, for example, your charging point, heat pump or boiler runs primarily when your solar system is generating electricity.
- Emergency power function: Many modern storage systems offer an optional emergency power function and continue to supply selected appliances even in the event of a power cut.
By adding a storage system, you’re making your PV system fit for the future.
Funding from the Primeo Energy Fund
The Primeo Energy Fund contributes a maximum of 30 per cent and up to 30,000 Swiss francs towards the equipment costs for:
- a battery storage system, and/or
- an energy management system (EMS).
Overview of funding conditions
Target group Owners of photovoltaic (PV) systems within Primeo Energie’s network area
Application deadline During the planning phase and before construction of the system begins
Funding amount A maximum of 30 per cent of the costs, up to 30,000 Swiss francs for storage systems and/or EMS. Only the equipment costs are taken into account – installation, small parts and administrative services are not eligible for funding.
Implementation period following approval 1 year
Required documents Application form including project quotation
Eligibility criteria in detail Regulations of the Primeo Energy Fund, funding category B4
Application process Online
Application form Online
Combination with other funding If other funding is available, the Energy Fund reserves the right to reduce the grant amount.
What happens if the fund’s resources are exhausted?
The resources of the Primeo Energy Fund are limited and are determined annually by the delegates at the Delegates’ Meeting in April. Funding categories and their specific terms may also change. As we anticipate high demand, we recommend submitting your application as early as possible. A claim to funding only arises once definitive approval has been granted.
Financial outlay
By investing in a storage system, you increase your self-consumption in the long term: you draw less electricity from the grid and save money as a result. The amount of energy fed into the grid is reduced by the same amount – this does not, however, affect your existing feed-in tariff rates (Rp./kWh).
What this ultimately means for you financially depends on individual factors:
- The size and utilisation rate of your PV system
- Your current consumption profile (e.g. daytime vs. evening consumption)
- The size and cost of your chosen storage system
- Your current electricity tariff and how electricity tariffs are expected to develop over the coming years
You can find your PV generation data (15-minute readings) and your grid consumption – the latter usually still recorded via the traditional register meter, as we are only gradually switching consumption meters to load profile recording by the end of 2027 – in the customer portal. Together with your future requirements for your home’s electrical installation – such as a new EV charging point or switching from a fossil-fuel heating system to a heat pump – this data forms the basis on which your installer will advise you and select a storage system of the appropriate size.
Technical requirements
How big should your storage system be?
The appropriate storage capacity depends on your feed-in and consumption profile, taking into account any new requirements (e.g. a new charging point). Your installer will calculate the appropriate capacity based on your load profile data from the customer portal.
Procedure
- Request a quote: Ask your installer or solar technician to provide a project quote for an electricity storage system and/or an EMS.
- Submit a grant application: Submit the application online, including the quote, during the planning phase and before work begins. Once your application has been approved, you have one year to complete the project.
- Instruct your installer: Your system will be installed.
- Submit the final statement: The Primeo Energy Fund will check the documents and transfer the approved grant to you.
Tips for increasing self-consumption
- Shift your energy use: Try to use your washing machine, dishwasher or tumble dryer during the day when the sun is shining.
- Charging an electric vehicle: Where possible, charge your electric car when your PV system is generating electricity.
- Optimising heat pumps and boilers: An energy management system (EMS) can automatically power heat pumps and boilers using solar power.
- Monitoring consumption: Energy monitoring helps you identify consumption patterns and make targeted adjustments.
- Forming energy communities (vZEV, LEG): Share your solar power, for example, within your local community with family, friends or neighbours. Find out more...
Measures to optimise cost-effectiveness (independent of self-consumption)
Optional tariffs for your electricity supply:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an electricity storage system?
An energy storage system is a high-performance battery. It captures the surplus electrical energy from your solar panel system and stores it. You can then draw on this stored electricity at a later time, for example when the sun has gone down.
What is an energy management system (EMS)?
An EMS monitors, controls and optimises energy flows and energy consumption within your domestic electrical installation.
How much is the grant?
Up to 30 per cent of the equipment costs, up to a maximum of 30,000 Swiss francs per storage unit and/or EMS. Costs relating to installation, small items and administrative services are not taken into account.
Can I apply for the Savings Scheme and the EMS at the same time?
Yes, both measures can be included in the same application.
What happens if I submit the application to the Energy Fund after the PV system has been installed?
The application must be submitted during the planning phase and before work begins – retrospective funding is not possible.
How long will it take to process my application?
Due to high demand, it may take a few weeks to process your request. You will receive a response in any case.
Who can give me impartial advice on storage solutions?
For an independent assessment, please contact your canton’s public energy advice service or Primeo Energie’s energy advice service (see contact details). The first hour of consultation is free of charge.
Who can provide me with a quote for storage or EMS?
Your plumber or solar installer. Primeo Energie cannot recommend any specific suppliers in this regard. The industry association Swissolar maintains a list of suitable partners.
What will happen to my current feed-in tariff?
This will not affect your existing tariff rates (Rp./kWh).
What does this mean for me financially?
By investing in a storage system, you can increase your self-consumption in the long term: you’ll draw less electricity from the grid, thereby saving money. The amount of energy fed into the grid will be reduced by the same amount. What this means in financial terms depends on individual factors (see the section ‘Financial outlay?’).
I already have a battery storage system – what does that mean for me?
If you are interested in upgrading your storage capacity, this is also eligible for funding.
Will I still be able to benefit from funding at a later date, for example, if I submit an application in early 2027?
In principle, yes, provided there are still sufficient funds available in the Primeo Energy Fund. The delegates decide on the allocation of the Energy Fund’s resources at the Delegates’ Meeting each April. The areas eligible for funding and the details of the funding schemes are subject to change at any time. As we anticipate high demand and funds are limited, we recommend submitting applications as soon as possible.
Why does Primeo Energie encourage self-consumption and send me letters?
We have a strong interest in reducing the strain on our electricity grid and ensuring that as high a proportion as possible of locally produced energy is used locally. Increasing self-consumption is therefore also in our interests.
Contact
Ihr Bedürfnis | Kontaktstelle |
|---|---|
Impartial information and advice on energy efficiency measures and energy storage systems | Public energy advice service in Basel-Landschaft |
Offers for electricity storage systems, options, costs, implementation | Your plumber/solar installer. The trade association Swissolar can help you find a suitable partner. |
Questions regarding funding for the Primeo Energy Fund | energiefonds@primeo-energie.ch |
Any further questions regarding the promotion and the solar panel system | eigenverbrauch@primeo-energie.ch |
