Solar power generation system in Zurich Switzerland

How much solar energy does Switzerland use in 2022?

Solar energy production accounted for 6.76% of Switzerland's electricity consumption in 2022 (4.89% in 2020). This year, solar energy will cover more than 8% of demand. The number of new storage batteries installed more than doubled compared with the previous year. The average storage capacity rose sharply from 12 to almost 15 kWh.

When did photovoltaic installations start in Switzerland?

The first photovoltaic installation in Switzerland dates back to 1992, but the country had to wait 2011 to observe a significant growth of the size of the yearly installed capacities, it has been developing at a rapid pace ever since (section 1.2). The installations are mainly set on industries and residential areas.

Should solar panels be required in new buildings in Switzerland?

Since 2015, the Swiss government has published a recommendation for the energy policies in cantons. These regulations should include a requirement for PV in every new building. In a majority of cantons, a requirement of including about 10 W PV per square meter of heated area for new buildings is already implemented.

Where are PV systems installed in Switzerland?

The installations are mainly set on industries and residential areas. Nearly 90% of new installations are on residential areas but the industrial area systems make up for 48 % of the capacity installed ( Figure 1 and Figure 2). Applications of PV in Switzerland are primarily roof-top grid-connected PV systems.