Federal Recommendation Calls for Reduction in Private Solar Subsidies: Potential Catastrophic Consequences

2023-08-31 19:57:41

Federal recommendation

Fewer private solar subsidies: “It would be catastrophic”

Solar installations in private homes are more expensive than large structures in the mountains. Financial Control suggests reducing subsidies to private individuals.

par

Francisco Carvalho da Costa

PostedAugust 31, 2023, 9:57 PM

The CDF points out that solar power would be more profitable in the mountains for the Confederation.

VQH – Jean-Paul Guinnard

Chaos in the subsidies on the solar: the support for these installations of renewable energy costs candy, but the money is badly distributed, estimates the federal control of finances (CDF). It therefore recommends to the Minister of Energy, Albert Rösti, to reduce subsidies for photovoltaic panels intended for private individuals. A reversal that would have “catastrophic consequences” for the expansion of solar, fears the specialist in the field Martin Blapp. For his panel installation cooperative, but also for the development of this technology, he believes. Faced with rising prices, there is a real risk that owners will stop investing in this area if they are not supported, he fears.

At the heart of the criticism issued by the CDF, small structures with a power of less than 100kW, the development of which is 44% more expensive than large surfaces in the mountains, with a power of more than 100kW. This recommendation comes as the solar sector is experiencing an unprecedented boom. In 2022 alone, panels with a total power of 1083 megawatts were marketed in Switzerland: a record for energy efficiency, corresponding to an increase of 45% compared to 2021.

Among supporters of renewables, the CDF file is received with nuance. “This report is not a criticism of solar power, large power plants are indeed more productive than small private structures, distinguishes Matthias Egli, president of the Swissolar association. However, the body forgets to point out that the greatest potential resides on the roofs of the very many private households. By cutting subsidies from the Federal Office of Energy (SFOE), there is a risk of slowing down demand and unbalancing a functioning market.”

A conclusion shared by Christophe Clivaz, member of the Swiss National Council for the Greens: “We have seen a clear increase in the use of solar energy for two years and it is also largely thanks to subsidies, he specifies. It would be a mistake to give the opposite political signal by cutting them, given the current situation.” The situation is now in the hands of the OFEN and Federal Councilor Albert Rösti. In 2022, Switzerland had 187,400 photovoltaic panels on the roofs of its households: this is 42,850 more than the previous year.

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