Alternative 1: The Plug & Play balcony panel
This is often the quickest and most accessible solution. Before fixing a module on a railing or facade, check the written agreement of the owner or the PPE, the AC limit allowed by your network manager and the requested notification form. The budget, production and return time strongly depend on the exhibition, the kit chosen and your self-consumption.
Alternative 2: sharing solar electricity (RCP, virtual RCP or CEL)
In a building with solar panels, a collective self-consumption group (RCP, or ZEV in German) lets participants share production. A virtual RCP uses the DSO's meters where the technical conditions are met. Since 2026, a local electricity community (CEL) can also share electricity through the local public grid under the applicable rules. These models are not interchangeable: check the area covered, metering, costs and billing method with the owner and DSO.
Alternative 3: Buy shares in a solar cooperative
Dozens of solar cooperatives exist in Switzerland (Solarcoop, Solargenossenschaft, Energie Avancée, etc.). You buy shares (generally CHF 200–1 000 per share) in a collective installation, and in return receive an annual income proportional to production. Expected return: 1–3% per year. It's not the best financial return, but it is an ethical way to participate in the deployment of Swiss solar power, even without a roof. Some cooperatives also offer to credit your consumption directly on your bill.
Alternative 4: The solar carport or garden shed
If you don't have a roof but have an outdoor space - garden, courtyard, covered parking space - a solar carport is an excellent solution. A carport structure equipped with 6 kWp of panels produces as much as a standard roof installation (5 500–7 000 kWh/year). Major advantage: the orientation and inclination can be freely optimized, without depending on the shape of the roof. Cost: CHF 18 000–30 000 all inclusive (structure + panels + installation). Ideal for houses with an unsuitable flat roof or facing north.
Alternative 5: Solar power on the facade or on the railing
The facade panels (BIPV — Building-Integrated Photovoltaics) are integrated directly into the building envelope: walls, glass facades, railings. Production is often lower than on roofs, but they make use of an otherwise unexploited surface area. The cost increases with architectural integration; possible BIPV aid must be verified project by project with the canton, the municipality and the Buildings Program.