Original article published on terasolar.ch
Is your oil-fired boiler reaching the end of its life? Is your Heat Demand Index (IDC) above regulatory limits? Are you aware of the energy challenges facing your building and eager to be part of the transition? Here are the 7 best reasons to install a solar photovoltaic system on your building’s roof.
1. Contribute to the Energy Transition
Switzerland has committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050, meaning we cannot emit more greenhouse gases than our environment can absorb. Additionally, in 2017, Swiss citizens voted for a gradual phase-out of nuclear energy. This presents a major challenge: replacing fossil fuels while electrifying our society—without nuclear power.
Solar energy offers a unique opportunity. It is now the cheapest form of electricity production worldwide and requires minimal maintenance, making it a key energy source in the years to come.
According to the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE), Swiss rooftops alone have the potential to generate 50 TWh per year, yet current production stands at just 2.26 TWh per year. The growth potential is enormous, and as a building owner, you have the opportunity to lead the charge by installing solar panels on your roof or façades.
2. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint and Anticipate New Regulations
In Geneva, the new Energy Master Plan (PDE) and its regulations are gradually tightening pollution limits. Over time, buildings will face stricter emission reduction targets, making it increasingly necessary to move away from fossil fuels. By installing solar panels, you significantly cut your building’s carbon footprint and future-proof it against regulatory changes.
3. Lower Energy Bills and a Quick Return on Investment
Every kilowatt-hour your solar system generates is one that you and your tenants no longer need to purchase from the grid. By creating a Self-Consumption Group (RCP) or Energy Sharing Community (CA) in your building, you can sell electricity to tenants at a preferential rate while reducing your own communal energy costs.
These savings allow for a rapid return on investment, often within just a few years. At tera solar, we assist with every step to deliver a turnkey solar system for your building.
4. Gain Energy Independence
Recent macroeconomic factors have contributed to rising energy prices, pushing costs higher. In 2022, gas prices in Geneva increased by 34%, with similar trends across other cantons.
Investing in a photovoltaic system enables you to generate your own electricity, shielding yourself from unpredictable price hikes and reducing reliance on external energy sources.
"All investments related to your building’s energy efficiency improvements are tax-deductible."
5. Subsidies and Tax Savings
To encourage the switch to clean energy, multiple government subsidies are available. All these subsidies are listed on the Francs Énergie website.
Additionally, in Geneva, all investments related to energy-efficient renovations are tax-deductible from your income, just like your operating expenses—even if they add value to the building.
Moreover, when integrated into a larger renovation project, installing solar panels could help you achieve a higher energy efficiency rating, unlocking additional incentives. For instance, in Geneva, achieving High Energy Performance (HPE) status grants a 20-year exemption from the Additional Real Estate Tax (IIC)—a major financial benefit.
This strong incentive policy is available for now but won’t last forever. We encourage our clients to take advantage of these opportunities while they are still available.
6. Increase the Market Value of Your Building
Most real estate investors must comply with increasingly strict energy efficiency standards before investing in rental properties. By reducing your building’s carbon footprint with solar panels, you enhance its market value and expand its potential buyer pool.
Additionally, solar energy stabilizes energy costs over time, maximizing net returns—further increasing the market value of your property.
7. No Upfront Costs? Let Tera Solar Handle It
Interested in solar energy but don’t want to invest upfront? Tera Solar offers full financing for qualifying projects.
If your building meets specific criteria, you can opt for a contracting service where Tera Solar funds 100% of the installation. You then sign a fixed-price electricity supply contract, shielding you from future price hikes while lowering your bills and reducing your building’s carbon footprint—all while increasing its value and actively contributing to the energy transition.
Ready to Go Solar?
Contact our property management team to ask questions and get started on your solar project today!
GRANGE x tera solar