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Property & Building October 2026 5 min read

Insulation, CECB and solar: what should you plan first?

Editorial responsibility: Franck Tournier · Report a fix

TL;DR

Start with building condition and demand after renovation. CECB Plus helps compare options; coordinate roofing, heating and photovoltaics, then check grants and deadlines before ordering.

Start with the building's condition

Assess the roof, building envelope, heating and consumption before deciding the work programme. The cantonal building energy certificate assesses envelope efficiency, overall energy efficiency and direct CO2 emissions. CECB Plus adds an advisory report with renovation options; it does not replace construction drawings.

Coordinate roofing, insulation and photovoltaics

If roof renewal is planned, compare coordinated work with separate projects. Shared scaffolding and site organisation may reduce some costs, without guaranteeing a percentage saving. Specify structure, waterproofing, interfaces between contractors and responsibilities.

Size the heating system for future demand

Heat pump capacity must account for heat losses after the planned work. Compare current and future demand. Size the photovoltaic system for the roof and expected electricity profile, including heating and transport; annual production equal to consumption does not guarantee winter autonomy.

Check grants and deadlines before ordering

Buildings Programme conditions, CECB Plus grants and possible bonuses depend on the canton and measure. Submit the Buildings Programme application before work starts and check whether a prior decision is required. Pronovo procedures for photovoltaics follow a different timetable depending on the system type.

Prepare tax evidence

Ask your tax authority to confirm eligible net costs after deducting grants, supporting documents and any carry-forward rules. Compare the work timetable with the building's technical needs; an advertised tax benefit alone does not justify a poor construction sequence.

Official sources

Frequently asked questions

Must insulation always come before photovoltaics?+

No. The sequence depends on building condition, planned work and local rules. If the roof needs renewal, coordinating insulation and photovoltaics can avoid dismantling a recently installed system.

What does CECB Plus include?+

It combines the energy certificate with an advisory report covering renovation options, estimated costs and energy effects. Confirm the service price and cantonal grants; neither a single price nor a 50% grant applies everywhere.

Does a combined renovation automatically receive a bonus?+

No. Eligible measures, requirements, grant combinations and deadlines depend on the cantonal programme. Confirm conditions before ordering and meet the pre-construction application deadline for the Buildings Programme.

Sources & method

CECB: certificate, Plus report and cantonal grants; Buildings Programme: conditions and application deadlines. Information checked in October 2026.

This content is for information only. For your project, verify prices, grants, timelines, permissions and expected returns with the relevant authorities, grid operator and installer, and check the applicable contracts.

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