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Finance & Taxation October 2026 7 min read

Selling surplus solar electricity: Swiss feed-in tariffs in 2026

Editorial responsibility: Franck Tournier · Report a fix

TL;DR

Surplus is solar electricity that your building does not consume and exports to the grid. Payment depends on the feed-in agreement and applicable rules. To estimate your returns, separate savings from self-consumption, revenue from surplus electricity and any payment for guarantees of origin.

Self-consumption and surplus: two different values

Each kWh consumed directly reduces the electricity you buy from the grid. Each surplus kWh is sold under the feed-in terms. Compare these values using the tariffs at your address and a monthly simulation of production and consumption.

Review the feed-in agreement and guarantees of origin

Check the energy tariff, its validity period, any fees and the treatment of guarantees of origin (GOs). GOs certify the origin of electricity and can be traded separately. Ask whether their payment is included in the quoted price or covered by a separate agreement.

The Swiss framework in 2026

Since 1 January 2026, if the DSO and producer cannot agree on a price, payment is based on the quarterly reference market price published by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE). Minimum payments apply to certain photovoltaic installations. Ask your DSO which conditions apply to your system capacity and operating model.

Improve the project before adding a battery

Where it suits your needs, shift vehicle charging, hot-water production or some appliances to solar production hours. Then assess a battery using the surplus actually available and your evening demand. Compare its cost and losses with expected savings, without assuming a fixed feed-in tariff throughout its life.

Frequently asked questions

Can I choose the price at which I sell my surplus?+

Ask your distribution system operator (DSO) for the feed-in terms at your address. If you are considering another buyer, check metering, contract terms and the transfer of guarantees of origin before comparing offers.

Must feed-in revenue be declared for tax purposes?+

Do not assume a general exemption. Treatment depends on the tax rules that apply to your circumstances. Keep your feed-in statements and ask your cantonal tax authority or tax adviser how to declare this revenue.

Is the feed-in tariff guaranteed for the entire life of the panels?+

The duration and payment terms should be stated in the contract. Test several feed-in tariffs and self-consumption levels when calculating returns. A tariff published for a particular period does not guarantee the same income for 25 years.

Sources & method

SFOE: connection conditions and reference market prices. Pronovo: guarantees of origin. Feed-in agreement and tariffs from the DSO at your address.

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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