1. Have the fund assess your project
Home-ownership promotion concerns a main home used for your own needs. The FSIO limits solar financing to the documented share serving your own needs. Its 2023 clarification excludes generation you do not use yourself from financing through this withdrawal. The Federal Social Insurance Office (FSIO) explains that certain substantial improvements adding value may be financed. This is not automatic approval for your panels or battery. Submit ownership evidence, home-use details, a quote and a description of the work for a decision on your application.
2. Check the amount and timetable
Ask the fund about the available amount, age restrictions, previous withdrawals and the deadline before retirement. Clarify required consents, documents, fees and payment arrangements. Keep the written response before signing an order that depends on this funding.
3. Calculate the effects on your pension
Obtain a comparison of retirement, death and disability benefits, including the cost of any supplementary cover. Have withdrawal taxes calculated for your circumstances. Do not assume that electricity savings offset reduced benefits or that using pillar 3a leaves retirement resources unaffected.
4. Compare funding for the same project
Compare savings, credit, mortgage borrowing, pledging pension assets and withdrawal against the same solar quote. Record initial cost, fees, interest, remaining liquidity and pension benefits. For solar, separate avoided purchases, export revenue, confirmed grants, maintenance and replacements. Vary tariffs and consumption; a universal 5–9% return cannot determine the right funding for you.
5. Prepare for a change in circumstances
Before selling, moving or changing the property’s use, ask the fund how to handle repayment, possible reinvestment and the land-register entry. Confirm the deadlines for your circumstances. Keep the decision, payment record, tax documents and funding conditions with the installation file.