Federal Councillor Simonetta Sommaruga said at the 20th Swiss Photovoltaics Symposium: “Never have so many solar systems been installed as now. The last two years have seen record growth in photovoltaics. And the boom will not only continue, it will become even more pronounced. In fact, the population wants to move away from oil and gas.”

After the record growth in 2020, 2021 could see further strong market growth, which continues into the current year. This includes all market segments such as single-family homes, multi-family homes, industrial buildings, etc. High energy prices, the desire for energy independence and to contribute to climate protection, as well as the high demand for electric mobility, are, according to the Swiss solar industry, the drivers of the market. 

SWISS to be the world’s first airline to use Synhelion solar fuel

On the way to climate-neutral road traffic

200,000 modules in February, half a billion in added value and a new apprenticeship

In February alone, 200,000 solar panels were installed on Swiss roofs. Photovoltaics currently accounts for more than 6% of Switzerland’s electricity requirements and at this rate will add around 1% per year. In 2021, the added value of photovoltaics in Switzerland amounted to more than CHF 700 million (mainly through the design, installation, maintenance and export of machinery, tools and components), which flowed directly into the Swiss economy. 

“In 2021, the Swiss solar economy saw a 30% increase in orders,” says David Stickelberber, Director of Swissolar. At present, the Swiss solar industry already includes around 7,000 full-time jobs and over the next 10 years this figure is expected to triple. This is why Swissolar is developing vocational qualifications: “More and more young people are interested in this sector,” Stickelberger continues. “We need to offer them solid education.” The training as a solar specialist should start in 2024.

CircuBAT improves eco-balance of e-mobility

What if Russia cuts off gas to Europe? Three scenarios

Tripling annual growth

In order to meet climate targets and for the security of electricity supply, annual market growth should reach 2,000 megawatts by 2030, i.e. three times more than today. Swissolar has summarised in an 11-point programme what is needed to achieve this ambitious goal:

1. Clear and binding targets for renewable energies
2. Create professional opportunities in the solar energy sector
3. Creating incentives for domestic production of components for solar power plants
4. Increase of the grid surcharge and acceleration of the single fee
5. Clear and homogeneous regulation of feed-in tariffs
6. Solar energy obligations for new buildings and renovations
7. Remove obstacles in spatial planning
8. Elimination of additional costs and bureaucracy
9. Local energy communities
10. Dynamic grid capacity management, integration of e-mobility
11. Tariff structures / grid usage charges

With the desired growth, solar electricity will become one of the main players in the electricity market contributing to security of supply and must increasingly be seen in the context of the energy economy, i.e. at grid level and beyond Switzerland’s borders.

The solar industry’s 11-point programme – Swissolar (in German)

Solar installations on roofs and building facades are the main task

For large-scale photovoltaic systems, the focus remains on exploitable solar potential on roofs and facades. More electricity could be produced on existing buildings and infrastructure than we consume today. In this context, a particular challenge that is often noted is that of architectural integration.

Further topics will include news from the field of research, in which Switzerland is a world leader, as well as the presentation of examples of innovative practical applications of photovoltaics.

First “Renewable Heating” consultation now free of charge

20th Swiss Photovoltaic Symposium 

Every year, Swissolar, together with the Association of Swiss Electricity Companies (VSE) and the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE), organises the National Photovoltaic Symposium. The 20th edition took place on 29 and 30 March 2022 in Bern and online and with over 800 participants reached a new visitor record.

Source: swissolar.ch