Solar water heating · Horgen

Solar water heating in Horgen: Guide and cost estimates

Are you considering installing a solar water heating system in Horgen to optimize your hot water production? This eco-friendly project helps significantly reduce your energy bills while increasing your property's value. To succeed in your transition, it is essential to carefully plan every step, from choosing equipment to handling local administrative procedures. Discover our expert tips for carrying out your renovation work and use the free RenoIndex estimator to obtain a precise price range tailored to your specific project needs.
Solar water heating – Horgen

At a glance

Typical budget
CHF 13'200 – CHF 30'700
Midpoint
CHF 21'300
Grants found
0
Nearby companies
4

Worked examples in Horgen

Small project

CHF 10'300 – CHF 24'100

Typical project

CHF 13'200 – CHF 30'700

Large project

CHF 18'200 – CHF 41'800

ProjectQuantityLowHigh
Small project3 m²CHF 10'300CHF 24'100
Typical project6 m²CHF 13'200CHF 30'700
Large project11 m²CHF 18'200CHF 41'800

Computed with our estimator for Horgen (regional factor included), standard finish. Only the project size changes.

Cost split (typical project)

  • Labour : CHF 8'500 (40 %)
  • Materials : CHF 10'600 (50 %)
  • Other costs : CHF 2'100 (10 %)

What the price covers

Included

  • Supply and installation
  • VAT
  • Collectors, controls, standard connection and tank according to answers

Not included

  • Permits and architect fees
  • Unexpected structural issues
  • Possible subsidies
  • Roof refurbishment and replacement of main heating

Horgen's housing stock in figures

In Horgen, the federal building register lists 3'309 residential buildings and 11'404 dwellings. These municipal benchmarks help put your home in context, but do not replace an individual assessment.

61 %built before 1980
48 %heated by oil or gas
18.3 %electric hot water
1.1 %with declared solar thermal

Age of residential buildings

61 % built before 1980

  • Before 191923 %
  • 1919–194510 %
  • 1946–196011 %
  • 1961–19706 %
  • 1971–198011 %
  • 1981–19908 %
  • 1991–200011 %
  • 2001–201010 %
  • Since 201110 %

Construction year does not reveal past renovations: check the current insulation condition.

Main heating energy

30 % · Heat pump

  • Heat pump30 %
  • Heating oil25 %
  • Gas23 %
  • District heating14 %
  • Wood6 %
  • Electricity3 %

This distribution describes recorded buildings, not your system's consumption or efficiency.

Heating and hot water: which energies?

EnergyHeatingHot water
Gas23 %26.1 %
Heating oil25 %23.2 %
District heating14 %14.7 %
Heat pump30 %11.8 %
Electricity3 %18.3 %
Wood6 %3.9 %
Solar thermal0 %1.1 %

Each line gives the share of buildings using that energy, separately for heating and for hot water. The two columns do not always reach 100%: some buildings combine two systems, or reported none.

Type of heating system

  • Boiler (unspecified)49 %
  • Heat pump29.5 %
  • Heat exchanger (district)13.6 %
  • Stove4.3 %
  • Central electric heating1.8 %
  • Direct electric heaters1.1 %
  • Condensing boiler0.7 %

A standard non-condensing boiler is usually older and less efficient.

Houses or apartment buildings?

  • Single-family houses51.6 %
  • Two-dwelling houses11.8 %
  • Apartment buildings (3+)36.6 %

14.8 % of buildings mix housing with shops or offices.

The typical building

storeys (median)
3
median footprint
131 m²
median dwelling area
92 m²

Renovations, heritage and volumes

For renovation projects in Horgen, RegBL data provides essential insights for homeowners. The median building volume is 992 m3 based on the SIA 416 standard for the 35 measured houses, which serves as a vital metric for scaling heating and insulation upgrades. Please be aware that data coverage regarding the renovation year and heritage protection is currently partial within the official register. Because this information is not fully comprehensive, we strongly advise contacting the municipality directly to clarify any potential architectural requirements or local permits needed for your property before beginning any major construction or renovation work.

0
buildings flagged as protected
status known for 62 of 3'309 buildings; check with the municipality
992 m³
median house volume (SIA 416)
measured for 35 of 1'706 houses

Source : OFS — RegBL (export communal complet). Existing residential buildings; percentages of recorded values.

Benefits of solar thermal energy

Solar thermal collectors are an efficient solution for heating domestic hot water. By capturing the sun's free energy, these systems usually cover much of your summer hot water needs. Beyond substantial savings, you gain energy independence from fossil fuels.

It is advisable to conduct an energy audit before any investment to assess your roof's sunlight exposure and maximize the overall performance of your future thermal installation.

Technology and compatibility

The integration of solar water heating must be designed in accordance with your current heating system. Combining collectors with a heat pump needs a sizing study performed by a professional.

This step ensures that the various components work coherently to optimize the lifespan of your equipment. A well-calibrated installation helps reduce boiler cycles, thereby extending its durability while minimizing your household carbon footprint.

Financing and grants

It is important to check the requirements before starting work, as grant conditions may vary.

To get a clear estimate of the budget required for your house, do not hesitate to use the RenoIndex tool, which will provide a realistic price range for your project.

Steps for your project

Before starting your work in Horgen, make sure you have checked the applicable cantonal requirements for energy renovation. Preparing a complete file with detailed plans will facilitate your process.

Working with qualified local craftsmen often simplifies project management and compliance with standards.

Use RenoIndex to prepare your discussions with companies and verify if your budget estimate is consistent with local market prices for high-performance solar water heating installations.

Your project in 5 steps

  1. 1. Estimate

    Set a budget range with the estimator.

  2. 2. Grants

    Apply before work starts.

  3. 3. Quotes

    Compare at least 3 quotes.

  4. 4. Permit

    Check with the municipality whether a permit is needed.

  5. 5. Works

    Follow the site and do a written handover.

Grants and subsidies

No specific grant listed for this work. Maintenance tax deductions may still apply.

Companies in the area

F. Imeri Sàrl

2829 Vermes · about 84.2 km

The website presented under the name Imeri Chauffage et Sanitaire Sàrl offers plumbing, heating and solar thermal work, while F. Imeri Sàrl’s registered purpose refers to a scrap metal business.

imeri-sarl.ch

Buchwalder Sàrl

2824 Vicques · about 88.9 km

Buchwalder Sàrl in Vicques has specialized in the installation, repair, and renovation of heating and sanitary systems since 1966.

buchwalder-sarl.ch

Sanit & Bilat Fils S.A.

2824 Vicques · about 88.9 km

Specialist since 1968 in sanitary installations, heating (gas, oil, wood, renewable energy), and tinsmithing with 24/7 emergency repair service.

sanit.ch

Gyger Haustechnik

2824 Vicques · about 88.9 km

Gyger Haustechnik specializes in sanitary installations, heating systems, bathroom renovations, and tiling work.

gyger-co.ch

Suggestions from the commercial register by distance and activity. Not an endorsement or partnership.

Frequently asked questions

Is solar thermal enough for all my heating?

No, solar thermal is mainly intended for domestic hot water production and heating support. In winter, efficiency decreases, making a back-up boiler or heat pump essential to ensure constant thermal comfort throughout the year.

How much panel area is needed?

The area required depends on your household size and water consumption. On average, allow for about 1 to 1.5 m² of collectors per person to meet standard needs. A sizing study is recommended to avoid oversizing or undersizing.

Does solar thermal work when it's cloudy?

Yes, solar collectors work with diffuse radiation, even on cloudy days. Although the efficiency is lower than on a sunny day, the system continues to preheat the water, thereby reducing the load on your main heating device.

How to get a price estimate?

You can use the RenoIndex simulator for free. This online tool allows you to quickly get an indicative price range for your project in Horgen, taking into account the specifics of your renovation and average costs observed on the Swiss market.

Works often combined in Horgen

Other works in Horgen

Solar water heating in nearby towns