Solar installation in the Canton of BernNotify via eBau.

Permit: notification via eBau

Under Art. 18a RPG, sufficiently well-integrated solar systems in building and agricultural zones do not need a building permit. In the Canton of Bern, the building permit decree (Baubewilligungsdekret, BewD) governs the notification. It is made through the eBau portal to the commune where the building stands, at the latest seven working days before building work starts (Art. 7a BewD). The commune checks the system and communicates its decision through eBau.

Since 1 January 2026 the notification procedure (Meldeverfahren) also applies to facade systems, if they meet the criteria of federal law and the cantonal information sheet. This is interesting for winter power, because steeply mounted modules produce more in winter.

A building permit is still needed for cultural monuments and buildings worthy of protection, and for systems that do not meet the criteria. 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, a look at the zoning plan is therefore part of the planning. We clarify this for your address.

Subsidies in the Canton of Bern

The Canton of Bern does not directly subsidise photovoltaics. It subsidises solar thermal systems as well as complete renovations and energy-efficient new builds. For your photovoltaic system, the federal one-off payment (Einmalvergütung, EIV) through Pronovo applies. Since 1 April 2025 there has been no base amount. For add-on systems under 30 kWp the federal government pays CHF 360 per kWp, for integrated systems CHF 400 per kWp.

Some communes and energy suppliers have their own programmes. When preparing the quote, we check what applies to your address, and we name no amounts that we cannot back up.

For tax purposes, investments in energy saving and environmental protection on existing buildings are deductible. The tax office explicitly names the photovoltaic system there, and since the 2024 tax year also for new builds.

Grid operator and power price

In the Canton of Bern, BKW supplies 210 of the 295 communes, at 27.7 ct./kWh in the household tariff (H4, excluding VAT). The cantonal median is 29.3 ct., above the Swiss median of 27.7 ct. Other utilities are higher, for example Evolon at 34.0 ct., Elektra Jegenstorf at 30.8 ct. or IBI Interlaken at 29.2 ct. If you pay more, you save more with every kilowatt hour you use yourself.

The grid operator pays for the electricity you feed in. The rate differs from one utility to the next. We calculate with the tariff of your utility.

Solar obligation since 2026

Since 1 January 2026, new buildings and extensions must be fitted with solar systems on at least ten percent of the eligible building area. For existing buildings, there is a duty to notify for comprehensive roof renovations covering 50% or more of the roof area.