Switzerland is experiencing a significant surge in solar PV energy, with solar power expected to cover more than 10% of the country’s total electricity demand for the first time in 2024.
This marks a milestone, as solar energy will surpass the output of the Beznau nuclear power plant, according to the Swiss Solar Energy Association (Swissolar).
The Swiss PV market has been on a rapid growth trajectory since 2020, with annual growth rates exceeding 40%. The energy shortages in 2022 further accelerated this trend, resulting in a 58% increase in growth.
Meeting demand
Last year, Switzerland’s solar expansion exceeded forecasts, growing by 51% and adding 1,641 MW of new capacity. By the end of 2023, solar panels were responsible for supplying 8% of the country’s total electricity demand, producing 4,624 GWh annually.
This production is equivalent to the electricity needs of 1.4m households or 80% of the Beznau nuclear plant’s annual output.
“Solar expansion currently covers 2-3% more of Switzerland’s electricity needs each year. Until 2050, solar energy will be able to cover 50% of annual demand despite increasing consumption,” said Swissolar CEO Matthias Egli.
He emphasised that solar energy would become “the second pillar of our electricity supply along with hydroelectric energy.”
The strong growth has continued into 2024, with Switzerland installing more than 602 MW of PV systems in the first months of the year alone.
This represents an 81% market growth, according to preliminary figures from the government-run agency Pronovo. In comparison, the country added approximately 1.5GW of new PV capacity in 2023, 1GW in 2022, and 683MW in 2021.
Installations
Pronovo’s data also highlights that 367MW of installations in 2024 were for systems below 100kW, with a peak of 197MW reported in May.
Additionally, around 200MW of new capacity came from rooftop PV systems over 100 kW, with the “RUE tenders” assigning 35 MW across 260 projects. The RUE program offers rebates covering up to 60% of installation costs for systems between 2 kW and 150kW.
The increase in large installations over 100kW, many with self-consumption capabilities, along with facade-mounted PV systems, has been a key trend in the early months of 2024.
By the end of 2024, Switzerland is expected to reach a cumulative installed PV capacity of about 6.2GW.
Swissolar anticipates continued growth, forecasting a 10% expansion in the market in the coming year. By 2027, the country is expected to increase its solar expansion to more than 2GW annually, with solar energy consumption likely reaching 35 TWh per annum.
Switzerland Energy Week marks the leadup to Solar & Storage Live Zürich, taking place 17-18 September. Haven’t registered yet? Don’t miss out on your free ticket by securing your place here.
