Switzerland Introduces Winter Generation Incentive, Raises 2030 Solar Target to 18.7 TWh

Switzerland is rolling out a new “winter generation incentive” for solar PV projects starting January 1, 2026, aiming to boost electricity supply during the country’s most critical demand season. The policy applies to PV systems of 100 kW and above that achieve more than 500 kWh/kW of winter output between October 1 and March 31. 

Under the revised framework, incentives will be calculated only on the “excess generation” beyond the 500 kWh/kW threshold. The Federal Council noted that the formula ensures rewards are targeted at systems that significantly outperform the Swiss Plateau average of 250–300 kWh/kW during winter months. 

Payments will be made as a one-time compensation based on a three-year average of winter generation. For systems without self-consumption, each 1 kWh/kW of surplus will be rewarded with a CHF 3.50/kW payment. For projects operating under the floating market premium model, the incentive will be spread across the 20-year support period, translating to roughly CHF 0.175/kW per year, multiplied by the eligible winter surplus. 

The new mechanism will replace the 2023 high-altitude PV incentive, which supported projects above 1,500 meters and could cover up to 60% of investment costs for systems exceeding the same 500 kWh/kW winter benchmark. 

Alongside the incentive, Switzerland has approved updated mid-term renewable energy targets. Non-hydropower renewable generation must reach:

• 23 TWh by 2030, with 18.7 TWh from solar

• 35 TWh by 2035

• 45 TWh by 2050

According to the IEA-PVPS National Survey Report of PV Power Applications published in October, Switzerland recorded 5.96 TWh of PV generation in 2024, representing 10.36% of national electricity consumption. Total installed PV capacity reached 8.17 GW, with 1,799 MW added during the year.