Solar energy to cover 10% of Switzerland's annual consumption by 2024

The Swiss national association of solar energy producers, Swissolar, estimates that the Swiss country will obtain 10% of the energy it will consume in 2024 from the sun. This milestone will be possible thanks to the fact that the photovoltaic power installed in the Central European country in 2023 has exceeded 6,200 MW, 1,500 MW more than in 2022, figures that according to Swissolar analysis will allow reaching an annual electricity production of 6 TWh in 2024.

The evaluation carried out by Swissolar shows that both the market for smaller and more ambitious photovoltaic systems grew significantly in 2023, a year in which the solar market has increased by 40%. As of 2022, another important factor in the expansion of solar energy in Switzerland was the high price of electricity and the increasing use of electromobility and heat pumps, which are encouraging the use of photovoltaics.

In particular, the introduction of a new subsidy for renewables was an additional boost that allowed, among other things, to carry out projects such as the photovoltaic installation on the retaining wall of the Teufen ring road (Appenzell), which is optimized for the electrical performance in winter and supplies electricity to around 50 homes with its 756 modules.

This innovative photovoltaic solution consists of covering the acoustic retaining walls of roads with solar panels, instead of installing them in areas of special conservation, an innovative measure to promote responsible renewable deployment with the territory. With this approach, an extensive "solar" retaining wall is achieved capable of harnessing renewable energy thanks to a 75-degree inclination.

By 2024, Swissolar expects growth in the photovoltaic market of at least 10%. These growth forecasts are still aligned with the goal of deploying more than 2,000 MW annually starting in 2027, the year in which they expect renewables to provide 35 TWh of electricity.