1. Review a year of consumption
Compare bills and readings with the occupancy calendar. Identify heating, hot water, continuous loads and building-work periods. Separate fixed and variable charges. Do not assume that a property category qualifies for a special discount: ask for the tariff applicable to the address and meter.
2. Plan heating during absence
SwissEnergy’s MakeHeatSimple programme describes remote heating control. Have a specialist check compatibility, settings, building protection and alerts. Do not disconnect a system or its supplies using a smart plug without approval. Settings must account for frost, humidity and installed equipment.
3. Model monthly roof generation
Request a simulation covering terrain, orientation, shading, snow and access. Compare it with occupancy days and necessary heating. Good annual generation does not establish winter coverage or high self-consumption while the building is empty. Clarify feed-in terms and any export limits.
4. Compare storage and service
A battery may have limited useful operation during long absences. Compare additional savings with losses, fees and replacement. If backup is required, specify circuits, power and duration. Arrange monitoring, technical access and intervention while no occupant is present; an app does not replace service responsibility.
5. Confirm rights, costs and timing
Have the municipality assess the project, zoning and building use. For shared ownership, clarify surfaces and consent. Check tax treatment and grants for the specific project separately. Compare controls alone, renovation and solar using the same schedule; occupancy months alone do not establish permission or a tax advantage.