Security and Energy Independence

Switzerland regularly imports electricity in winter, particularly from France and Germany. This dependence on European neighbors exposes the country to supply tensions during winter consumption peaks. In 2022–2023, the scenario of rotating load shedding was seriously studied by the SFOE, revealing the fragility of the system even in a country as reliable as Switzerland.

At the individual level, network dependence means a lack of control over two critical variables: price and availability. The price has increased by 27% in 4 years (see our analysis on price increases). Availability, although still excellent in Switzerland (average outage rate of 14 minutes/year in 2023 according to ElCom), is threatened by aging infrastructure and the increasing complexity of the network.

Technologically, 2025–2026 marks a turning point for residential storage. The cost of LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries — the safest and most sustainable chemistry — has fallen by more than 60% since 2020. An acceptable 10 kWh battery now costs CHF 6 000–9 000 installed, compared to CHF 16 000–22 000 in 2019. Lifespan now exceeds 15 years with cycles guaranteed to 6 000+.

A well-sized solar + battery system allows you to achieve 70 to 85% annual autonomy — that is to say that over 12 months, 70 to 85% of your electricity consumption comes directly from your production. Winter remains the weak point (autonomy of 20–30%), which some households compensate for with a hybrid air-water heat pump.

The path to energy independence is built in two stages: first optimize production (panels), then optimize storage and intelligent management (battery + energy manager).

Step 1 — Maximize production: an installation covering 80–100% of your annual consumption is the goal. For 5 500 kWh/year, you need around 8–10 kWp depending on the orientation of the roof. N-Type panels (TOPCon or HJT) are most suitable for mixed east-west roofs thanks to their better behavior under diffused light.

Step 2 — Store smart: A 10–15 kWh battery covers the needs of a typical evening of consumption (18h–7h). Opt for LFP chemistry over NMC for home safety. Brands on the platform include Huawei (LUNA2000), Enphase (IQ Battery) and LG (Home 8 / RESU legacy).

Step 3 — Manage intelligently: an energy manager (Energy Management System) coupled with your EV charging station and your electric cumulus system allows you to automatically optimize your surplus. Huawei and Enphase offer integrated solutions compatible with Swiss standards. The objective is to consume your solar kWh in real time, avoiding both costly network purchases and sales at a loss to the DSO.