Glossary
Winterstrombonus
Also known as: Winter electricity bonus
The Winterstrombonus (winter electricity bonus) is a supplementary subsidy on top of the Einmalvergütung for photovoltaic systems from 100 kWp that are commissioned from 1 January 2026 and produce more than 500 kWh per installed kilowatt during the winter half-year (1 October to 31 March). The bonus specifically supports winter-strong systems: alpine sites, steeply tilted modules and facade systems facing south-west or south-east.
Why does the Winterstrombonus exist?
The background is the winter electricity gap: Switzerland imports electricity in the winter half-year, while conventional flat-roof systems deliver most of their yield in summer. The winter electricity bonus shifts the incentive towards systems that produce precisely when electricity is scarce and expensive. It was introduced with the Electricity Act (Mantelerlass) and applies to systems commissioned from 1 January 2026.
Who receives the Winterstrombonus and how much?
Eligible are systems from 100 kW of capacity whose production in the winter half-year exceeds 500 kWh per kW; the rate differs for systems with and without self-consumption and is paid out in addition to the one-off remuneration (Pronovo, frequently asked questions on the one-off remuneration). The amount for a specific project is provided by the Pronovo tariff calculator; as with the one-off remuneration, registration takes place before construction starts. Proof of winter production is based on the yield forecast and the measured values after commissioning.
The threshold of 500 kWh per kW in the winter half-year is reached above all by vertical and steeply tilted installations: facades, fences and alpine locations with snow reflection. A flat roof in the Swiss Plateau lies well below it. For commercial buildings, bifacial vertical modules on south-facing facades are the most practicable route; they qualify at the same time for the angle-of-inclination bonus of the one-off remuneration.
How is winter production proven?
Decisive is the production between 1 October and 31 March, relative to the installed capacity in kW. For registration, the yield forecast from the planning is sufficient; payment is based on the measured values, which is why one meter per system section and a yield simulation with site data are part of the project design. Systems that fall just short of the threshold lose the entire bonus, not part of it: the design should therefore include a margin.
Which systems pay off with the bonus?
For an industrial company, the Winterstrombonus is rarely the reason for a system, but often the reason for the facade. Winter production coincides with the period in which grid electricity is most expensive and the feed-in remuneration at the hourly spot price from 2027 is highest. Technology, requirements and a practical example from Landquart GR: Winterstrombonus and vertical PV. The subsidy guide 2026 covers the rest of the subsidy landscape.