Solar roof in the Canton of Bern
In-roof solar in the Canton of BernSolar obligation since 2026
Since 2026 the Canton of Bern has had a solar obligation for new builds and a notification duty for comprehensive roof renovations. Free site visit, quote within 72 hours.
- Site visit: free and with no obligation
- Binding quote within 72 hours
- Calculated with the electricity price in the Canton of Bern: 29.3 ct./kWh
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- documented reference systems
- 29
- output of these systems
- 718.1kWp
- to a binding quote
- 72h
- is what the site visit costs
- 0CHF
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Data in the Canton of Bern
Solar power in the Canton of Bern in figures
- Household electricity price 2026
- 29.3ct./kWh
- Median of the grid operators, excluding VAT. 1.6 ct. above the Swiss median (27.7 ct.).
- Solar potential of the roofs per year
- 9,136GWh
- Used so far: 11.2% (Switzerland 12.8%).
- Solar potential of the façades per year
- 2,717GWh
- Façades yield less than roofs, but more in winter.
- Solar power per person per year
- 943kWh
- Switzerland: 866 kWh.
- of residential buildings were built before 1981
- 67.2%
- Switzerland: 59.5%. If the roof needs renovating, the solar roof can be planned in at the same time.
- hailstones are to be expected about every 50 years
- 3.5cm
- Typical value of the communes according to MeteoSwiss. Important for choosing modules and for insurance.
Example: 10 kWp in-roof system on a single-family home in the Canton of Bern
- Yield per yeararound 10,000 kWh
- Self-consumed (30%)3,000 kWh
- Grid power saved per yeararound CHF 880
- One-off payment for integrated systemsCHF 4,000
Guide value, not a quote. Assumptions: 1,000 kWh per kWp, electricity price 29.3 ct./kWh excluding VAT. Integrated systems receive a higher one-off payment than mounted ones, because the modules form the roof skin. More in our guide How much does a solar system cost?
Calculate it for my roofSources: ElCom (electricity prices 2026), Swiss Federal Office of Energy (solar potential), Energie Reporter by geoimpact on behalf of SwissEnergy (solar power, electric cars; CC BY 4.0), Federal Statistical Office (Register of Buildings and Dwellings), MeteoSwiss (hail climate), Energy Promotion Ordinance (one-off payment).
In-roof solar in the Canton of Bern
What applies to your solar roof in the Canton of Bern
Solar roofs in historic core zones and protected townscapes
In the Canton of Bern, you notify well-adapted roof systems to the commune where the site is located through the eBau portal, no later than seven working days before construction starts. A building permit is still needed for cultural monuments and buildings worthy of protection. This also applies in protected townscape areas and historic core zones, which are regulated differently from commune to commune. In cities such as Bern, Thun or Biel/Bienne, the zoning plan is therefore part of the planning. We did not find a separate cantonal in-roof rule in the documents. We clarify what applies at your address.
Subsidies
For integrated systems, the federal government pays a higher one-off payment (Einmalvergütung, EIV) through Pronovo than for add-on systems. The Canton of Bern does not subsidise photovoltaics directly. It subsidises solar thermal systems, comprehensive renovations and energy-efficient new builds. Some communes and energy suppliers have their own programmes. For tax purposes, the tax administration expressly names the photovoltaic system as a deductible investment in energy saving and environmental protection.
Plan the roof renovation and solar roof together
In the Canton of Bern, the roof determines the obligations. For new builds and extensions, the canton has required solar systems on at least 10% of the eligible building area since 2026. Well-suited roof areas should be used as fully as possible, at least 60% of the gross roof area, and roof areas under 50 m² are exempt. The obligation can also be met on the facade. An in-roof system provides the roof covering and the solar system in one. For existing buildings, the notification duty applies to a comprehensive roof renovation covering 50% or more of the roof area. The solar suitability notification includes proof of suitability and the installation costs, both of which can be determined on the sonnendach.ch platform. We work out suitability and costs for you and show what in-roof makes compared with on-roof for your renovation.
Grid operators
Electricity prices 2026 in the Canton of Bern
What power from the grid costs is set by your grid operator. The more expensive grid power is, the more every kilowatt hour you use from your own roof is worth.Swiss median: 27.7 ct./kWh.
| Commune | Grid operator | ct./kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Bern | Energie Wasser Bern | 33.3 |
| Biel/Bienne | Energie Service Biel/Bienne (ESB) | 29.5 |
| Thun | Energie Thun AG | 29.3 |
| Köniz | BKW Energie AG | 28.1 |
| Ostermundigen | BKW Energie AG | 27.7 |
| Burgdorf | Localnet AG | 31.9 |
| Steffisburg | NetZulg AG | 29.9 |
| Lyss | Evolon AG | 34.0 |
| Langenthal | IB Langenthal AG | 30.4 |
| Muri bei Bern | BKW Energie AG | 27.7 |
| Spiez | BKW Energie AG | 27.7 |
| Münsingen | InfraWerkeMünsingen (IWM) | 31.9 |
| Belp | Energie Belp AG | 36.3 |
| Worb | BKW Energie AG | 28.2 |
| Zollikofen | BKW Energie AG | 27.7 |
Source: ElCom, Federal Electricity Commission, tariffs 2026.
The free site visit
One appointment at your home. Then you know everything.
A project manager from our team visits you and checks three things. No sales show, no obligation. Afterwards you receive a binding quote with yield, subsidies and payback.
01Roof
Area, orientation, pitch, condition of the roof covering and shading.
02Electrical system
Grid connection, distribution board and space for inverter and battery.
03Your consumption
Electricity bill, car, heating, plans. From this we calculate yield and subsidies.
How your project runs
Request
Tell us briefly about your building and your goal. Online or by phone.
Site visit
We check your roof, electrical system and consumption at your home. Free of charge.
Quote in 72 hours
Binding and transparent, with yield, subsidies and payback.
Permit and subsidies
We handle the notification procedure, the grid operator and Pronovo.
Installation and commissioning
Our own installers, a fixed date, final inspection with you on the roof.
Step 1 takes one minute. We take care of the rest.
Google reviews
What our customers say about us.
5.0
Unabridged and unedited, straight from our Google profile. The reviews are in German.
All reviews on GoogleWir sind sehr zufrieden mit unserer Wallbox für unser E-Auto.
Cemil B. · October 2026
Wir können Solarinnovation.ch und insbesondere Jordan für seine kompetente Beratung und perfekte Umsetzung als zuverlässigen Partner für nachhaltige Energielösungen aus einer Hand von Herzen weiterempfehlen. Er hat uns mit seinem umfangreichen Fachwissen von der ersten Beratung bis und mit der Umsetzung kompetent begleitet. Er hat alle Fragen immer verständlich erklärt. Wir sind mit der Indach-Solaranlage, kombiniert mit einem Speicher sehr zufrieden.
Daniel · August 2026
Die SolarInnovation GmbH hat mich durch ihre sehr flexible und kompetente Beratung und Arbeitsausführung sehr überzeugt!
Frederic L. · September 2025
Eine sehr seriöses Firma. Danke Aulson, Danke Jorden.
Alex I. · August 2025
Top Service und super Beratung! Unsere Solaranlage am linken Zürichseeufer läuft perfekt, produziert mehr Strom als erwartet und sieht auch noch toll aus. Absolut empfehlenswert!
Marc W. · August 2025
Built near you.
29 projects, 718.1 kWp in total. From Zumikon and Lachen we work all over German-speaking Switzerland, most often in the cantons of Zurich, St. Gallen, Schwyz and Aargau.
Canton of Zurich
- Rüti41.1 kWp
- Zürich26.6 kWp
- Zürich6.8 kWp
- Zürich10.9 kWp
- Gossau ZH7.7 kWp
- Zollikerberg17.7 kWp
- Ebmatingen16.9 kWp
- Ebmatingen17 kWp
- Zürich7.5 kWp
- Maur6.9 kWp
- Herrliberg14.8 kWp
- Herrliberg12 kWp
- Meilen17.2 kWp
- Bachs10.2 kWp
Canton of St. Gallen
Canton of Schwyz
Canton of Aargau
- Staffelbach16 kWp
- Reinach AG20.7 kWp
- Berikon19.8 kWp
- Oberkulm20.7 kWp
Canton of Lucerne
Canton of Zug
Frequently asked questions
Before you get in touch.
Is the site visit really free?
Yes. The visit and the quote cost you nothing and commit you to nothing. You only decide once you hold the binding quote in your hands.
Do I have to notify a solar system in the Canton of Bern when renovating a roof?
For existing buildings, a notification duty applies if at least 50% of the gross roof area gets a new covering or waterproofing. The notification shows the suitability and cost of a solar system and is made through eBau. There is no obligation to build one.
What solar obligation applies to a new build in the Canton of Bern?
Since 1 January 2026, new builds and extensions must have solar systems on at least 10% of the eligible building area. A simplified rule applies to small residential buildings of up to 300 m² of eligible building area.
Is an in-roof system approved in a historic core zone in the Canton of Bern?
In historic core zones and protected townscape areas a building permit is still needed, and the rules differ from commune to commune. Whether in-roof has advantages there, we clarify with your commune and, where necessary, heritage protection.
Is an in-roof system watertight?
Yes, if it is properly planned and installed. Together with flashings and seals, the modules form the water-bearing layer. Underneath, an underlay membrane remains as a second safeguard. Connections at the chimney, ridge and eaves are the critical points. We work with particular care there.
Can I convert my existing roof to in-roof?
Yes, but it only makes sense as part of a roof renovation. The tiles have to come off anyway then. If your roof is still in good condition, an on-roof system is usually the more economical solution. We tell you honestly during the site visit what is worthwhile.
Will an in-roof system be approved in a historic core zone?
Often more readily than an on-roof system, because it looks calmer. For protected buildings and in historic core zones, a permit is required, and the commune decides case by case. We clarify the situation for your address and submit the documents.
Which regions do you cover?
All of German-speaking Switzerland. We build most often in the cantons of Zurich, St. Gallen, Schwyz and Aargau. Our locations are in Zumikon ZH and Lachen SZ.
From one company
Goes well with
The first step
We come to you. Free of charge.
We check your roof, electrical system and consumption. Afterwards you know what is possible on your roof, what it costs and which subsidies you receive. The binding quote follows within 72 hours.
- Free and with no obligation
- Quote within 72 hours
- Subsidies pre-financed on request
