As Switzerland accelerates its transition to renewable energy, Solar & Storage Live Zürich has quickly established itself as a key meeting point for the sector.
Mark Lewis, Commercial Director for Solar & Storage Live Zürich, shares what’s new for 2025 and how the show is helping to shape Switzerland’s energy future.
“Our free educational content ensures that everyone – from utilities to small installers – leaves with insights, practical knowledge, and new connections.”
Why did Solar & Storage Live choose Zürich, and what were the key learnings from the inaugural edition?
Terrapinn has been organising the Solar & Storage Live portfolio worldwide for over a decade. We entered Europe around seven or eight years ago, and in early 2022, we looked at how to expand further.
By 2023, we decided to take the event across Europe, continuing our model of connecting technology suppliers and providers with local audiences of installers, project developers, and large end users.
The challenge was to identify countries with both business potential and government support for renewable energy, while avoiding markets that already had established events. Switzerland stood out: there were smaller conferences, but nothing offering a full trade exhibition and conference for the entire supply chain.
Solar energy in Switzerland has grown exponentially. In 2022, solar accounted for 4.7MW – about 6% of total electricity. By the end of 2025, it is projected to reach 8.1MW.
This growth stems from government legislation: the Swiss Energy Strategy 2050 and the Energy Act of 2022, which aim to phase out nuclear power, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and boost renewables.
The Swiss government also supports solar through one-off payments for small and large installations. This created a strong case for launching in Zürich, benefitting both local players and international manufacturers exploring the Swiss market.
As for learnings, the first show was pulled together quickly. We had limited resources, limited local knowledge, and language challenges. But the response was clear: the Swiss audience wanted this type of event and appreciated the format, which differed from the conferences they were used to.
Some expected more international exhibitors, and many assessed the market in year one before committing fully.
Now, we’ve established events not only in Switzerland but also in Spain, and this year in France and Italy, in addition to the UK. That portfolio shows we’re offering regionally distinct audiences and real business opportunities.
What is your overarching vision for the Zürich event’s role in Switzerland’s energy transition?
For our Zürich event specifically, it’s already becoming a one-stop shop for the entire supply chain, tackling unique challenges like Alpine terrain, while showcasing how technology is being adapted to meet them.
We want Solar & Storage Live Zürich to become a marketplace for innovation. This year we’re seeing many new start-ups, often spun out of academic institutions. Zürich itself is known for its innovative start-up culture, particularly in AI and IT, which we’re also seeing reflected in solar software solutions.
The show is also a platform for local cantons, government, and utilities to engage, debate, and collaborate. For project developers and installers, it’s about identifying specific benefits of solar adoption and solutions for major storage projects, ensuring energy is effectively stored and integrated into the grid for both consumer and industrial use.
Can you highlight some stand-out features of this year’s show?
The most striking thing is how quickly the event has grown. This year, we have over 100 speakers across four conference streams, covering academia, government, utilities, and the supply chain, alongside almost 100 exhibitors.
Visitors will see a mix of international brands and Swiss distributors, 50 new exhibitors, plus 13 start-ups – many of them university spin-outs – which bring real innovation to the floor.
We’ve introduced an installer zone for hands-on engagement, where local installers can meet suppliers and explore solutions to challenges like Alpine conditions.
Networking is also a key feature: structured meet-ups and informal sessions bring together cantonal authorities, project developers, utilities, and technology firms. Switzerland’s mix of German, French, and Italian-speaking regions adds to the value, making it a true meeting point.
Finally, our free educational content ensures that everyone – from utilities to small installers – leaves with insights, practical knowledge, and new connections.
Who will benefit from attending?
Utilities, installers, and project developers from across Switzerland – and beyond, including Austria, Germany, and northern Italy – will benefit. International brands such as SolarEdge, SIG Energy, and 7 Sun are on board, reinforcing the event’s credibility.
From the distributor side, we have established names like Solomart, Tritec, Solexis, and Solvetica, alongside newer players such as EP and Fergalen. This shows we’re representing the entire Swiss market.
Importantly, we also have international exhibitors from Spain, Italy, China, the UK, the Netherlands, and even the Middle East. But the event works because of the strong local element: installers, start-ups, and dedicated meet-ups for the supply chain.
End users, such as hospitals, schools, and large businesses, can explore technology options, costs, and suppliers. Installers and developers, many with backgrounds in electrical or heat pump trades, can discover new opportunities and technologies suited to Switzerland’s unique climate.
For example, exhibitors will showcase PV systems designed to withstand heavy snowfall – something also needed in France or Spain.
Can you talk about the topics on the conference programme?
The conference spans four streams: utility-scale, commercial and industrial, storage, and residential. In Switzerland, commercial, industrial, and residential take centre stage.
We’ll cover the impact of the new Swiss Electricity Act, PV integration, battery storage applications, and agri-photovoltaics for farming. Community energy projects and urban carports are also on the agenda, alongside decarbonising buildings with solar.
We’re also very pleased to have the President of the Swiss Green Party speaking.
What’s on the horizon for Solar & Storage Live Zürich’s future editions?
Now that we’re firmly on the map, the next step is further internationalisation. This year we already have Chinese delegations attending, recognising Zürich as a gateway to central Europe. In future, we’re looking at pavilion groups and broader international participation.
At the same time, the local audience remains central. Swiss exhibitors are eager to engage not only with international players but also with German, Austrian, and other central European businesses viewing Switzerland as a growth area.
Outside the UK, Zürich is already our most successful European event, and we look forward to building on that success in year three and beyond.
Swiss Solar Week marks the leadup to Solar & Storage Live Zürich, taking place 16-17 September. Haven’t registered yet? Don’t miss out on your free ticket by securing your place here.
Companies looking to confirm their stand at next year’s event should contact Mark Lewis at mark.lewis@terrapinn.com, or meet the sales team in person on stand F50 at next week’s event in Zürich
