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.
The background is Switzerland’s winter electricity gap: the country imports electricity in the winter half-year, while conventional flat-roof systems deliver most of their yield in summer. The bonus shifts the incentive towards systems that produce precisely when electricity is scarce and expensive.
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. For commercial buildings, bifacial vertical modules on south-facing facades are the most practicable route.
Technology, requirements and a practical example from Landquart GR: Winterstrombonus and vertical PV. The subsidy guide 2026 covers the rest of the subsidy landscape.