Residential solar energy in Switzerland: complete guide

Introduction

Produce your own electricity, reduce your bills, enhance your property: for many Swiss homeowners, photovoltaics are no longer an option. In this episode of La Voix du Bâtiment, Alexandre Avian, Director of Tera Solar, answers 20 questions to help individuals and condominiums (PPE) get started, step by step, on the solar adventure.

Introducing Tera Solar and the expert

Company: 40 employees, three cantons (Geneva, Vaud, Valais).
Activities: Photovoltaic installations, storage batteries, EV charging stations.
References: 200-300 villas, condominiums (PPE), Balexert project (2,600 panels, 1.2 MW).

💡 Differentiation:

Turnkey chain: study, municipal procedures, subsidies, installation, connection.
In-house installation teams (>10 years' experience).
Equipment guaranteed for 30 years.

🧠 Key takeaways:

A single point of contact from the study to the connection.
Remote monitoring: each installation is monitored 24/7 (automatic alerts).

Photovoltaics: operation, profitability, technical aspects

The basics:

Principle: the panel converts light into direct current, the inverter converts it into alternating current usable in the house.
Priority on self-consumption: the more you consume your own production, the more profitable the investment (buy-back tariffs are falling).

Can you install panels anywhere?


Criterion	Tera Solar advice
Roof condition	Renovate before installation if the covering is ageing (the panels will stay > 30 years).
Orientation	Ideal: Southeast/Southwest. North = yield too low.
Inclination	Sloped or flat roof: solutions for every case (ballasting or tilted frames).
Shadows	Drone scouting; large permanent tree = roof not retained.

Building permit:

"Simple" procedure: 1 month of processing in most municipalities.
Protected zone: tile-coloured panels or full integration required.

Profitability and lifespan


Parameter	Average value
Villa ROI	7-12 years (falling panel prices + rising electricity costs)
Panels	30-year warranty (87% of power ≥ 30 years)
Inverter	Single replacement around 12-15 years
Hail resistance	Compliant with standard EN 61646: impact equivalent to a tile

Installation and maintenance

Maintenance: no systematic maintenance. Cleaning if a notable drop (< 5%/year) or exposed site (dust, pollen, airport).
Villa project duration: 3-5 days (installation + connection).
SUVA-compliant scaffolding required: safety for the client and the installers.

Mistakes to avoid


Mistake	Why it is a problem	Solution
Wrong pitch (North or shaded)	Production too low	Orientation study / drone.
Undersizing	Insufficient autonomy	Size based on annual consumption + EV/heat pump.
Oversizing	Surplus resold at low tariff	Target 90% self-consumption + suitable battery.
Door-to-door company	Risk of no after-sales	Require references, SwissSolar label and a detailed quote.

Focus on "Batteries"


Questions	Alexandre's answers
Indispensable?	Not compulsory, but increasingly relevant (falling prices, rising grid electricity).
Typical capacity?	10 kWh are enough for a villa (night + basic appliances).
Average price?	CHF 4'000-5,000 installed (iron-phosphate, non-flammable).
Warranty/lifespan?	10-15 years (replacement if defective).
Home automation coupling?	Battery + heat pump: thermal storage possible (water heater during the day).

Bonus questions and innovations


Theme	Key points
Home automation	Dry-contact-compatible inverters: trigger heat pump, boiler or EV when production is high.
Seasonality	Dec.-Jan. = "quiet" months; install 2-3 extra panels to compensate for winter.
Future panels	Power +10%/year; transparent prototypes for pergolas/balustrades; facade integration.

Quick glossary

PV: Photovoltaic panel.
PAC: Heat pump.
ROI: Return on investment (years)
SwissSolar: professional association issuing a quality label.

Conclusion

Solar is no longer an option: it is the lever to reduce your bills and secure your electricity supply. To easily compare several quotes from qualified installers, submit your free request on EDIREX.ch and launch your project with confidence.

Everything you need to know about residential solar energy

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