Residential 2026 — feed-in compensation, self-consumption and local sale

Since 1.1.2026 feed-in compensation without an individual agreement is based on the quarterly average reference market price. Until 31.12.2025 the principle of avoided procurement costs applied — the grid operator paid what they would otherwise have had to source on the market. Minimum compensation for systems below 150 kW was introduced.

Source: Art. 15 paras. 1 and 1bis Energy Act (EnG, SR 730.0)

Planned: switch from the quarterly average to the hourly spot market price at the moment of feed-in. Electricity is then valued at the same hourly market price in both directions. The minimum compensation for systems <150 kW is retained but newly paid out as a quarterly premium (delta between reference market price and minimum). Transition rule until 31.12.2027 for grid operators without smart-metering systems.

Source: UVEK consultation 16.9.2025 (consultation closed 22.12.2025)

The volume-weighted average of day-ahead prices on the electricity exchange for the Swiss market area, calculated technology-specifically (PV, hydro, wind, biomass separately) and weighted by the actual quarter-hourly feed-in. The Federal Office of Energy publishes the value quarterly — in practice by the 10th working day after the quarter ends.

Source: Art. 15 Energy Promotion Ordinance (EnFV, SR 730.03), BFE

Yes, if your system is no larger than 150 kWp. Up to 30 kWp it is 6 Rp./kWh. Between 30 and 150 kWp: 6.2 Rp./kWh without self-consumption, or 180 ÷ kWp with self-consumption. Above 150 kWp there is no statutory minimum — compensation follows the market directly.

Source: Art. 12 para. 1bis Energy Ordinance (EnV, SR 730.01), version effective 1.1.2026

The grid operator must take and pay for renewable energy from systems up to 3 MW capacity or up to 5,000 MWh annual production (less self-consumption). Larger systems sell their power directly on the market.

Source: Art. 15 Energy Act (EnG)

Systems up to 150 kWp are protected by the minimum compensation. Systems above 150 kWp have no statutory floor. Whether compensation may legally turn negative has not been conclusively settled. For individual spot-price agreements we recommend a contractual floor of 0 Rp./kWh. A detailed three-scenario classification is on the electricity-market page.

Source: Art. 12 para. 1bis EnV; Art. 4 para. 3 StromVV (SR 734.71)

ZEV (Zusammenschluss zum Eigenverbrauch) is the classic form with a physically connected metering and billing point — apartment building or contiguous area. vZEV (virtual ZEV), since 1.1.2026, uses the public distribution grid instead of physical wiring; the grid operator's obligation to offer a measurement tariff applies from 2026. LEG (local electricity community) extends the model to neighbourhood and municipal level with a reduced grid-usage charge. Praxismodell is an ElCom-issued concept to bundle small producers without formal ZEV/LEG structure — grid operators are not obliged to offer it.

Source: Art. 17–17b StromVG, Art. 16 EnV (vZEV), ElCom Praxismodell communication

Increase self-consumption (heat pump, EV charging, boiler), invest in battery storage, or join a local marketing form (ZEV, vZEV, LEG). All three measures shift feed-in away from the noon peak and increase the value of each produced kWh.

Source: Bergler Energie, advisory practice