Solar water heating · Solothurn

Solar water heating in Solothurn: guide and professional tips

Are you planning to install solar thermal collectors on your roof in Solothurn? Investing in solar energy is an excellent way to enhance your property value while permanently reducing your energy bills. This guide accompanies you through the key stages of your project, from technical planning to best installation practices. For an accurate cost estimate of your project based on local specifications, use the free RenoIndex estimator now to obtain a price range tailored to your building and specific requirements.
Solar water heating – Solothurn

At a glance

Typical budget
CHF 12'400 – CHF 28'800
Midpoint
CHF 20'000
Grants found
0
Nearby companies
4

Worked examples in Solothurn

Small project

CHF 9'600 – CHF 22'600

Typical project

CHF 12'400 – CHF 28'800

Large project

CHF 17'000 – CHF 39'100

ProjectQuantityLowHigh
Small project3 m²CHF 9'600CHF 22'600
Typical project6 m²CHF 12'400CHF 28'800
Large project11 m²CHF 17'000CHF 39'100

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

Cost split (typical project)

  • Labour : CHF 8'000 (40 %)
  • Materials : CHF 10'000 (50 %)
  • Other costs : CHF 2'000 (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

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.

Why choose solar thermal energy?

Solar thermal collectors are an efficient solution for converting solar radiation into heat. These systems are primarily used for domestic hot water production.

In Switzerland, solar thermal collectors usually cover much of summer hot water, thus reducing the load on your main boiler. This technology provides increased independence from rising fossil fuel prices.

It is a sustainable investment that improves your home's energy class over the long term while actively participating in the Swiss energy transition.

Planning your solar installation

A high-performance system relies above all on a rigorous sizing study. It is essential to accurately calculate your hot water needs based on the number of occupants and the available roof surface.

If you are considering moving towards a hybrid system, be aware that combining collectors with a heat pump needs a sizing study to ensure optimal compatibility.

Proper planning avoids oversizing, which can reduce the overall efficiency of the system, and ensures consistent heat production throughout the year.

Subsidies and financial support

Although rules vary by region, the national Buildings Program regularly encourages energy efficiency measures. It is crucial to submit your grant application before starting the work, as subsidies are generally not retroactive.

Check with the relevant cantonal services to find out the current eligibility criteria and maximize your chances of obtaining financing for your solar project.

Hiring a professional

Installing solar thermal panels requires high technical expertise to ensure roof tightness and hydraulic safety. Hiring a certified installer is essential to guarantee compliance with current standards.

A professional can not only advise you on the most suitable equipment but also provide the preventive maintenance necessary for the long-term operation of the installation.

Never neglect installation quality, as it directly determines the energy efficiency of your solar system for decades to come.

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 13 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

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

Sanit & Bilat Fils S.A.

2824 Vicques · about 17.9 km

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

sanit.ch

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

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a building permit?

Requirements vary depending on the building type and location. It is advisable to contact local authorities to check specific urban planning conditions. Some projects may be exempt, but others require prior authorization to ensure compliance with aesthetic rules.

How long does installation take?

The installation itself usually takes a few days, depending on the roof complexity and the hydraulic system. However, the planning phase and obtaining permits can extend the project. A professional will provide you with an accurate timeline when providing the quote.

Does solar thermal work in winter?

Yes, the system works as long as there is solar radiation, even in cold weather. However, the yield is reduced compared to summer due to shorter sunlight duration and the sun's angle. A complementary system is often necessary.

How do I get a cost estimate?

To get a realistic price range for your project, use the free RenoIndex estimator now. It takes into account the specific details of your renovation to provide you with a quick, reliable estimate adapted to your situation.

Works often combined in Solothurn

Other works in Solothurn

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