Solar water heating · Lachen

Solar Water Heating in Lachen: Guide and Tips for Your Project

Are you planning to install solar thermal collectors in Lachen? Harnessing solar energy is an excellent strategy to reduce your energy bills while improving the sustainability of your home in the canton of Schwyz. This proven technology efficiently converts sunlight into heat for your domestic hot water. Before starting your work, solid planning is essential. Use the free RenoIndex estimator to get a precise range of costs in Swiss francs for your specific project and make informed decisions regarding your home energy renovation.
Solar water heating – Lachen

At a glance

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

Worked examples in Lachen

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 Lachen (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

Lachen's housing stock in figures

In Lachen, the federal building register lists 1'165 residential buildings and 4'567 dwellings. These municipal benchmarks help put your home in context, but do not replace an individual assessment.

48 %built before 1980
55 %heated by oil or gas
31 %electric hot water
15 %with declared solar thermal

Age of residential buildings

48 % built before 1980

  • Before 19197 %
  • 1919–19459 %
  • 1946–19607 %
  • 1961–19708 %
  • 1971–198017 %
  • 1981–199014 %
  • 1991–200010 %
  • 2001–201013 %
  • Since 201115 %

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

Main heating energy

36 % · Heating oil

  • Heating oil36 %
  • Heat pump22 %
  • Gas19 %
  • District heating11 %
  • Electricity8 %
  • Wood3 %
  • Solar thermal1 %

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

Heating and hot water: which energies?

EnergyHeatingHot water
Gas19 %10.1 %
Heating oil36 %33.5 %
District heating11 %9.5 %
Heat pump22 %8.1 %
Electricity8 %31 %
Wood3 %1.7 %
Solar thermal1 %5.6 %

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)56.3 %
  • Heat pump22 %
  • Heat exchanger (district)10.7 %
  • Central electric heating6.1 %
  • Direct electric heaters2 %
  • Stove1.6 %

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

Houses or apartment buildings?

  • Single-family houses48.8 %
  • Two-dwelling houses12.8 %
  • Apartment buildings (3+)38.5 %

13.2 % of buildings mix housing with shops or offices.

The typical building

storeys (median)
3
median footprint
136 m²
median dwelling area
100 m²

Renovations, heritage and volumes

For renovation projects in Lachen, official building register data provides key insights for your planning. With only one protected heritage site among 217 known buildings, heritage restrictions are limited, though contacting the municipality early is always advisable. The median building volume is 975 m3, which serves as a helpful reference for scaling heating and insulation works. Please note that data coverage is partial, as volume measurements according to the SIA 416 standard are available for only two houses. Consequently, homeowners should consult local experts to ensure their specific renovation budget aligns accurately with their property's unique dimensions.

1
buildings flagged as protected
status known for 217 of 1'165 buildings; check with the municipality
975 m³
median house volume (SIA 416)
measured for 2 of 568 houses

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

Benefits of Solar Thermal Collectors

Solar thermal collectors are a high-performance solution for optimizing your household's energy consumption.

In general, these collectors cover a large portion of your hot water needs during the summer months, thereby significantly reducing the load on your main boiler. This technology is particularly effective for decreasing your reliance on fossil fuels.

By investing in thermal energy, you increase the value of your property while actively contributing to the Swiss energy transition. Use the RenoIndex estimator to calmly evaluate your budget before reaching out to local professionals for detailed quotes.

Sizing and Technical Integration

A successful solar installation requires careful consideration of overall sizing. Combining thermal collectors with a heat pump requires a rigorous sizing study to ensure system efficiency.

An installation that is too large or too small could limit the expected benefits. It is highly recommended to consult a specialized heating engineer who can analyze your actual needs, the pitch of your roof, and the sun exposure of your property in Lachen.

A well-integrated system maximizes yields throughout the year. RenoIndex supports you in this process by providing an indicative price range for your construction work.

Financial Support for Solar Projects

As part of the energy transition, several cantons provide subsidies for solar collectors, either through payments per installed square meter or via a flat-rate grant per installation.

It is important to inquire about current programs before starting work, as grant conditions can vary. In Switzerland, support is typically managed at the cantonal level.

To properly anticipate your expenses after accounting for potential subsidies, use our RenoIndex tool. It allows you to view costs transparently and plan your investment with confidence in the canton of Schwyz.

Planning Your Project in Lachen

The implementation of a solar thermal installation should not be improvised. Beyond the technical aspects, regulatory compliance in the canton of Schwyz must be respected.

Once the sizing is validated, you should contact local firms to obtain several comparative quotes. Ensure that the companies are certified to handle such specific equipment. Careful planning helps avoid budget surprises during the construction phase.

Remember that RenoIndex is always available to provide you with a consistent price estimate for your future thermal project, ensuring you have a solid foundation for negotiations.

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 104.2 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 109.1 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 109.1 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 109.1 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

Do solar collectors work in winter?

Yes, solar thermal collectors capture diffuse radiation even in cold weather. However, production decreases in winter due to lower light levels and outside temperatures. They then serve primarily as a supplement to the main heating system for preheating domestic hot water.

Do I need a permit for collectors?

In the canton of Schwyz, it is advisable to check requirements with local authorities before starting. Although many solar installations are now subject to simplified procedures, specific rules may apply depending on the zone or building type, particularly for historical buildings or protected areas.

What is the average lifespan of the system?

A well-maintained solar thermal installation can last between 20 and 25 years. Regular maintenance, including checking the heat transfer fluid and the proper operation of the circulator pump, is essential to guarantee the longevity of the system and its optimal performance throughout its service life.

Can I combine solar thermal with my heat pump?

Yes, this combination is common. Solar collectors heat domestic water, which significantly reduces the work of the heat pump. However, a sizing study is essential to ensure technical compatibility and optimize energy flows between the two pieces of equipment within the home.

Works often combined in Lachen

Other works in Lachen

Solar water heating in nearby towns