"Neigungswinkelbonus" in Switzerland: Vertical PV and Green Roof Solutions by SOLYCO

Why the "Neigungswinkelbonus" Is Now Becoming Crucial

Switzerland aims to generate more winter electricity from photovoltaics. Traditional rooftop PV systems achieve their highest yields in summer, while electricity demand peaks during the heating season. The"Neigungswinkelbonus" addresses this imbalance: it specifically incentivizes steeply mounted and vertical PV systems that produce significantly more energy in winter.

Inclination angle bonus Switzerland: Overview of feed-in tariffs and additional bonuses for steep-mounted and vertical PV systems, including winter power and parking lot bonuses.

The "Neigungswinkelbonus" in Switzerland provides additional incentives within the one-time remuneration scheme for PV systems, particularly for steep and vertical installations. Combined with other bonuses such as winter electricity incentives and parking area bonuses, it creates a powerful framework for optimized solar deployment.

For owners of commercial and industrial buildings with flat or green roofs, this opens up a compelling opportunity: with the right mounting solution, ecological benefits, attractive subsidies, and high winter energy yields can be combined effectively.

What Is the Neigungswinkelbonus?

The Neigungswinkelbonus is an additional subsidy within Switzerland’s one-time remuneration scheme for photovoltaic systems. It applies to system components where PV modules are installed at an angle of at least 75 degrees.

Typical applications include:

• Vertical PV façades

• Steeply mounted PV systems on flat roofs

• Vertical module rows on roof edges or parapets

  
  

The rationale is straightforward: steep and vertical PV modules capture low winter sun angles more effectively and are less likely to be covered by snow. As a result, a significant portion of annual energy production shifts into winter—precisely when electricity is most valuable.

Advantages of Vertical PV with the Neigungswinkelbonus

Vertical PV was long considered a niche solution. However, in combination with the Neigungswinkelbonus and rising electricity prices, it is becoming economically attractive for many buildings.

Key benefits at a glance:

• Higher winter yields: Vertical PV systems generate above-average output during the heating season

• Reduced snow impact: Steep angles prevent snow accumulation and related production losses

• Additional usable surfaces: façades, parapets, and roof edges can be utilized for energy generation

• Improved economics: The Neigungswinkelbonus enhances the financial viability of steep and vertical installations

  
  

For businesses with high winter electricity demand—such as logistics centers, industrial facilities, or cold storage—combining conventional rooftop PV with vertical PV can be particularly effective.

How the Neigungswinkelbonus Works in Practice

The foundation of PV funding in Switzerland is the one-time remuneration. Additional bonuses can be layered on top—one of them being the Neigungswinkelbonus.

In practical terms, this means:

• System segmentation: The PV system is divided into components with different tilt angles (e.g., flat roof 15°, green roof PV 75°)

• Threshold check: All components with at least 75° tilt qualify for the Neigungswinkelbonus

• Funding calculation: Base remuneration plus Neigungswinkelbonusfor steep/vertical sections, potentially combined with winter electricity or parking area bonuses

• Submission: Registration of the system including documentation of tilt angles and installed capacity

  
  

Vertical PV on Flat and Green Roofs

Many commercial buildings feature large flat roofs, often with green roofing systems. These roofs offer enormous potential for vertical PV combined with the Neigungswinkelbonus, but also come with specific requirements:

• The green roof must remain functional

• Additional loads must be structurally manageable

• Maintenance access must be preserved

  
  

This is where specialized green roof PV systems come into play. They enable the installation of vertical or steep PV modules without compromising the roof structure. Ballasted mounting systems avoid roof penetration, preserving waterproofing and vegetation while unlocking additional energy-generating surfaces.

SOLYCO SOLon: Green Roof PV with Vertical Mounting

With the SOLon system, SOLYCO provides a solution specifically developed for green flat roofs. The goal is to seamlessly combine green roofs, vertical PV, and the Neigungswinkelbonus.

Key advantages of SOLon for green roofs + vertical PV + Neigungswinkelbonus

• Optimized for the Neigungswinkelbonus: Vertical installation (close to 90°, always ≥ 75°) maximizes subsidies (+10–30% on EIV)

• 100% green roof preservation: Vegetation remains untouched, maintaining biodiversity and microclimate

• Roof-friendly installation: Ballasted system (~12 kg/m²), no roof penetrationn, suitable for retrofit and new builds

• Strong PV winter performance: Bifacial glass-glass modules generate energy on both sides, optimized for low winter sun and eligible for winter electricity bonuses (≥ 500 kWh/kW)

• Lightweight and robust: ~100 Wp/m² roof area, suitable for wind zones 1–4, up to 10° roof pitch, pressure resistance up to 1000 Pa