Solar panels · Solothurn

Solar panels in Solothurn: Your comprehensive installation guide

Installing solar panels in Solothurn is an excellent way to increase your property value while contributing to the Swiss energy transition. Whether you aim to reduce electricity bills or achieve energy autonomy, understanding the technical and financial aspects is crucial. This guide helps you navigate your residential project. For a precise and free estimate of the costs adapted to your roof, use our RenoIndex tool, designed to simplify your budget planning and provide clear guidance for your upcoming renovation investment.
Solar panels – Solothurn

At a glance

Typical budget
CHF 17'300 – CHF 31'400
Midpoint
CHF 23'700
Grants found
0
Nearby companies
4

Worked examples in Solothurn

Small project

CHF 9'400 – CHF 17'700

Typical project

CHF 17'300 – CHF 31'400

Large project

CHF 30'000 – CHF 53'300

ProjectQuantityLowHigh
Small project5 kWcCHF 9'400CHF 17'700
Typical project10 kWcCHF 17'300CHF 31'400
Large project18 kWcCHF 30'000CHF 53'300

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

Cost split (typical project)

  • Labour : CHF 8'300 (35 %)
  • Materials : CHF 13'000 (55 %)
  • Other costs : CHF 2'400 (10 %)

What the price covers

Included

  • Supply and installation
  • VAT
  • Inverter and grid connection

Not included

  • Permits and architect fees
  • Unexpected structural issues
  • Possible subsidies
  • Battery, roof refurbishment and structural reinforcement

Solothurn's housing stock in figures

In Solothurn, the federal building register lists 2'863 residential buildings and 9'414 dwellings. These municipal benchmarks help put your home in context, but do not replace an individual assessment.

79 %built before 1980
78 %heated by oil or gas
26.1 %electric hot water
1.8 %with declared solar thermal

Age of residential buildings

79 % built before 1980

  • Before 191921 %
  • 1919–194527 %
  • 1946–196018 %
  • 1961–19707 %
  • 1971–19806 %
  • 1981–19906 %
  • 1991–20005 %
  • 2001–20107 %
  • Since 20114 %

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

Main heating energy

56 % · Gas

  • Gas56 %
  • Heating oil22 %
  • Heat pump13 %
  • District heating6 %
  • Electricity3 %
  • Wood2 %

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

Heating and hot water: which energies?

EnergyHeatingHot water
Gas56 %42.8 %
Heating oil22 %16.7 %
District heating6 %5.3 %
Heat pump13 %6.6 %
Electricity3 %26.1 %
Wood2 %0.8 %
Solar thermal0 %1.7 %

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)78 %
  • Heat pump12.5 %
  • Heat exchanger (district)5.8 %
  • Central electric heating1.8 %
  • Direct electric heaters0.9 %
  • Condensing boiler0.6 %

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

Houses or apartment buildings?

  • Single-family houses53 %
  • Two-dwelling houses10.3 %
  • Apartment buildings (3+)36.6 %
  • Other0.1 %

15.8 % of buildings mix housing with shops or offices.

The typical building

storeys (median)
3
median footprint
115 m²
median dwelling area
85 m²

Renovations, heritage and volumes

For your renovation projects in Solothurn, the federal building register (RegBL) indicates that 3 buildings are listed under heritage protection, requiring early coordination with the municipality for permit applications. The building volume data covers 1517 houses with a median volume of 462 m3 according to the SIA 416 standard, which is essential for scaling your heating and insulation upgrades. Please note that data coverage is partial, as 1514 buildings are recorded under unknown or other standards. Since renovation year data is not available, you should conduct a thorough on-site assessment to accurately plan your specific property improvements.

3
buildings flagged as protected
status known for 112 of 2'863 buildings; check with the municipality
462 m³
median house volume (SIA 416)
measured for 3 of 1'517 houses

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

Grants and financial support

It is recommended to check the current requirements and deadlines before starting. Additionally, investments in the energy efficiency of your building are often tax-deductible in Switzerland.

To get a clear view of the required budget and the impact of these financial aids, you can easily use the RenoIndex cost estimator for a customized range.

Maximizing system profitability

The profitability of your solar project in Solothurn depends not only on sunlight but primarily on your ability to maximize the rate of self-consumption. By using the electricity produced on-site, you avoid costs associated with the public grid.

Installing smart energy management systems or batteries can significantly increase this efficiency. Analyze your typical consumption habits to correctly size your solar array.

For a reliable financial estimate that takes your specific needs into account, we invite you to use the free RenoIndex estimator.

Administrative framework and procedures

It remains important to comply with current federal safety standards during module installation and grid connection. A qualified installer can guide you to ensure all requirements are met.

To anticipate the costs related to this administrative and technical project phase, the RenoIndex simulator provides a precise calculation base for your planning.

Choosing the right solar equipment

The market offers various panel technologies, from monocrystalline models to building-integrated options. Your choice depends on the available roof area in Solothurn and your energy goals.

It is advisable to prioritize durable and certified materials to ensure the long service life of your installation. Also, consider the aesthetic aspect if your building is in a protected area.

To get an overview of the price ranges for different types of equipment, do not hesitate to use the RenoIndex tool for comparative data.

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

Zbinden & Joye SA successeur Pierre Streit

2740 Moutier · about 15.1 km

Moutier-based company specializing in tinsmithing, roofing, ventilated facades, and solar panel installation.

zbinden-joye.ch

Bernard Monnerat

2740 Moutier · about 15.1 km

Company in Moutier specializing in plumbing, heating (oil, wood, heat pumps), and solar thermal and photovoltaic solutions.

bmonnerat.ch

Eco6therm Sàrl

2832 Rebeuvelier · about 15.2 km

Eco6therm specializes in the installation of heating systems, particularly heat pumps, and solar photovoltaic energy solutions.

eco6therm.ch

TELEC Renggli S.A. (Télécommunications, Electricité et Commerce)

2735 Malleray · about 19 km

Company specialized in electrical installations and telecommunications systems, including network infrastructure and related trade.

telecrengglisa.ch

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

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a building permit?

Generally, a suitably integrated roof installation only requires notification. However, if your building is listed or located in a protected area, specific cantonal rules may apply. Always check with local authorities before starting your project.

What is the average cost of an installation?

Costs vary based on system size, chosen technology, and roof complexity. To get a personalized estimate based on current market data adapted to your home, use the RenoIndex simulator for free.

Is the one-off remuneration guaranteed?

The federal one-off remuneration via Pronovo is available for small systems. The amount depends on the installed capacity. It is recommended to check the official Pronovo website for current application procedures.

How can I increase profitability?

The key is self-consumption. Use high-energy appliances during the day when your panels produce power. An energy management system or a battery can also help optimize direct power usage.

Works often combined in Solothurn

Other works in Solothurn

Solar panels in nearby towns