Solar installation in German-speaking FribourgNotify the commune.

Permit: notification to the commune

Under Art. 18a RPG, sufficiently well-integrated solar systems on roofs in building and agricultural zones do not need a building permit. The Canton of Fribourg implements this in its spatial planning and building regulations (Raumplanungs- und Baureglement, RPBR). Under Art. 87 para. 3 RPBR, such systems are notified to the commune at the latest 30 days before work starts. Since 1 January 2026, the relaxation under federal law (Art. 32a and 32abis RPV) also applies to sufficiently well-integrated facade systems.

On cultural heritage buildings and in landscapes of cantonal or national importance, a building permit is still needed. The canton provides the notification form. Before the quote, we check whether your building is affected, and we file the notification with your commune.

Subsidies in the Canton of Fribourg

The federal government pays the one-off payment (Einmalvergütung, EIV) through Pronovo. Since 1 April 2025 there has been no base amount, and add-on systems under 30 kWp receive CHF 360 per kWp. We file the application. On request, we pre-finance the subsidy.

The Canton of Fribourg does not directly subsidise photovoltaics. According to the cantonal energy office, subsidies for photovoltaics run through Pronovo, while the canton itself supports solar thermal systems. The Fribourg buildings programme covers other measures. Some communes offer their own programmes, and we clarify that for your address.

According to the cantonal tax office’s information sheet, the costs of a photovoltaic system on an existing building can be deducted. For new builds and building extensions, no deduction is possible. Contributions from third parties are taxable as other income.

Grid operator and power price

Groupe E supplies all 15 communes in the Sense district. In 2026 the median is 27.3 ct. per kWh excluding VAT, slightly below the Swiss median of 27.7 ct. The power price is therefore average, so what matters most is how much solar power you use yourself.

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

Buildings and heating

In German-speaking Fribourg, a good half of residential buildings heat with a heat pump, which is a high share. If you already have a heat pump, you use solar power directly for heating. A battery storage system or an EV charger raises self-consumption further.