How the Neigungswinkelbonus promotes Stability and Innovation for the Swiss Electricity Grid
- Over Easy Solar
- Nov 10
- 3 min read
As solar adoption grows, so do the challenges that come with it - particularly grid congestion and the so-called “duck curve.” The duck curve describes how solar generation peaks around midday, often exceeding demand and saturating the grid, while electricity consumption is highest in the morning and evening, when solar production is low. This mismatch creates steep ramp-up and ramp-down requirements for other energy sources, leading to grid instability, higher costs, and wasted solar potential during the day.
To address this imbalance, many countries are introducing measures that encourage smarter system designs and more even energy generation throughout the day and year. These initiatives not only accelerate the transition to clean energy but also promote innovative technologies that make better use of available sunlight - such as Switzerland’s Neigungswinkelbonus, which we’ll explore in this article.
Neigungswinkelbonus: an incentive for steep solar installations in Switzerland
Switzerland rewards innovative solar designs that generate electricity when it’s most needed - in the mornings, evenings, and during winter. One such initiative is the Neigungswinkelbonus, a national incentive granted to photovoltaic systems installed at an inclination of at least 75 degrees.
The aim of this program is to encourage steep PV systems that complement traditional flat installations and help balance Switzerland’s renewable energy supply. There are two main reasons why these systems are being incentivized:
Production timing: Traditional panels typically reach their peak output around midday, while steep or vertical systems generate more electricity during the mornings and evenings - when demand is higher and power is most needed.
Winter performance: Steep or vertical modules also produce more energy during the winter half-year, when sun angles are lower and conventional rooftop systems generate less, thereby strengthening Switzerland’s winter-generation capacity.
For systems that are attached or freestanding (not fully integrated), the bonus is CHF 200 per kW for installations with a tilt of 75° or more, effective from 1 January 2025. This bonus is granted in addition to the standard one-time subsidy (Einmalvergütung) under the Energieförderungsverordnung (EnFV).
Project example: Luzern's football stadium
One of our latest projects benefited from this subsidy - a system installed on the roof of a building belonging to the Luzern football stadium, featuring 104 vertical units with a total capacity of 20.8 kWp. The light-colored gravel surface enhances performance through the albedo effect, as reflected sunlight boosts overall energy production.
In Swiss weather, snow is often a challenge for conventional rooftop systems - but not here. Thanks to the vertical design, snow doesn't accumulate on the modules, ensuring steady performance and minimal maintenance throughout the winter.
Beyond its technical advantages, the project also highlights how our solar solution enables faster, simpler installation while maintaining a sleek, uniform rooftop design. Completed in collaboration with our trusted partner Solektra AG, the project was praised for the ease and speed of the installation process:
“With the Over Easy solution, the installation was smooth and completed in record time. We were impressed by how quick and straightforward the process was - a great example of how efficient solar can be with the right system. Combined with its lightweight and vertical design, which prevents snow from accumulating on the surface, this solution is a perfect fit for Swiss rooftops.”
Heinrich Truffer, owner and managing director at Solektra AG
All in all, vertical solar installations offer many advantages - they generate energy when it’s most needed and most valuable, require less maintenance, benefit from the albedo effect on light-colored surfaces. And if your project is located in Switzerland, you can take advantage of this incentive, making the installation even more cost-effective.
Ready to unlock the full potential of your roof? Calculate your subsidy here and start your project today.