The PV buildup remains very rapid. According to SWISSSOLAR, in the year 2023, about 1.5 GW of new PV installations have been added. This is shown in the following graphic:
This newly added PV capacity alone represents about 10% of the maximal energy production in the Swiss control block in the year 2023, reported by swissgrid.
Background of the PV buildup #
The growth of photovoltaic energy is driven by the country’s commitment to renewable energy and sustainability. However, increasingly, also private initiatives play an important role. As part of the Energy Strategy 2050, Switzerland aims to phase out nuclear power and increase its reliance on renewables. Solar energy plays a crucial role in this strategy. The PV market in Switzerland has been expanding rapidly, with a notable increase in installations on residential and commercial rooftops.
The Swiss government has implemented various incentives to encourage PV adoption, including a partial refund of the installation costs. Additionally, Switzerland’s strong tradition of environmental consciousness and technological innovation has fostered widespread public and private investment in solar energy.
Challenges remain, such as the limited available land for large-scale solar farms due to the country’s mountainous terrain. However, advances in technology, such as building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), are helping to overcome these obstacles. Overall, Switzerland’s PV buildup reflects a broader shift towards clean energy and a commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, positioning the country as a leader in sustainable energy practices.
The buildup creates surplus energy which can be used, for example, to produce green hydrogen and continue to defossilize the Swiss energy system. GRZ is at the forefront of such approaches.
