Solar systems on logistics centres use the largest unshaded flat roofs in Switzerland, with areas of 3'000 to 15'000 m². The integrated system of rooftop PV, battery storage and e-truck charging park delivers up to 40% of the charging energy from own production, as the Hugelshofer reference with 1'001 kWp and 28 charging points shows. For SMEs the ASTAG programme funds the charging infrastructure with up to 40%; larger businesses with a net-zero roadmap can file a KlG application with the SFOE for novel technologies (up to 50%).
Key Takeaways
8 min read
Key Takeaways
8 min read- Logistics centres have the largest unshaded flat-roof areas in Switzerland: the ideal precondition for large PV systems with high self-consumption potential.
- The integrated system of rooftop PV, battery storage and e-truck charging park creates a closed energy loop: up to 40% of the charging energy comes from own PV production.
- ASTAG sector programme (up to 40% subsidy, CHF 20 million budget) for SMEs under 250 employees. Larger businesses with a net-zero roadmap: KlG application to the SFOE, up to 50% for novel technologies.
- Hugelshofer Services AG proves the model at scale: 1'001 kWp, 28 charging points, 400 kW DC and the Swiss Logistics Award 2024.
Logistics companies operate the largest flat-roof complexes in Switzerland, and most of them go unused for energy. At the same time, fleet electrification creates a massive new electricity demand. The integrated solution: warehouse rooftop PV, battery storage and an e-truck charging park as one system. Ampere Dynamic delivers this complete solution turnkey. More on the logistics electrification solution page. This guide shows the path from the first kWp to full fleet electrification.
The roof potential of logistics centres
Logistics centres offer optimal conditions for large PV systems. The reasons: flat roofs between 3’000 and 15’000 m² without dormers or chimneys, no shading from neighbouring buildings, and daytime operation (sorting, handling, offices) that aligns well with solar production.
Structurally, modern hall roofs pose no problem for standard modules: the system’s own weight is well below the snow load standard, and the flat-roof construction allows simple, parallel installation of large module areas with minimal scaffolding costs.
The typical self-consumption ratio without storage is 50-70%, somewhat lower than in manufacturing businesses with a more homogeneous load profile, because logistics operations show larger load jumps depending on the shift model. With battery storage and an e-truck charging park, 70-85% self-consumption is realistic.
From rooftop system to integrated charging park
The integrated energy system for logistics centres consists of three layers that together deliver the economic effect.
Layer 1: rooftop PV. The photovoltaic system on the hall roof provides the base of own electricity for warehouse lighting, conveyor technology and offices. Two delivered projects show the size spectrum: Lagerhäuser Aarau with 1’703 kWp on 6’024 m² and COTRA Autotransport AG with 634 kWp on 3’132 m². Both systems supply the running operation directly with solar electricity during the day.
Layer 2: battery storage. The storage performs two functions: it caps power peaks from compressor starts and conveyor runs (peak shaving) and buffers the charging energy for the electric fleet. Reducing the demand charge alone saves around CHF 10’800 a year per 100 kW of peak capped (median demand charge 2026, ElCom).
Layer 3: e-truck charging park. DC fast-charging stations (150-400 kW) for electric commercial vehicles are integrated directly with the PV system and battery storage. The EMS (energy management system) coordinates all three layers in real time: when PV production is high and the storage is charged, the EMS routes the electricity straight to the chargers. When solar yield is low, the storage discharges into the chargers. The result: 40% of the charging energy from own production, without grid expansion.
For detailed planning of the charging infrastructure, see the guide Charging infrastructure for businesses.
Hugelshofer: one of Europe’s largest e-truck charging parks
Ampere Dynamic’s flagship project illustrates the integrated solution at scale. Hugelshofer Services AG operates a 1’001 kWp photovoltaic system with 2’314 modules on 3’526 m² on the roof of its logistics centre and its truck port. It supplies 28 charging points with up to 400 kW of DC fast-charging capacity, enough to charge a 40-tonne truck in around 90 minutes.
The result: 40% of the total charging energy comes from own PV production. The project won the Swiss Logistics Award 2024. CEO Martin Lörtscher: “The collaboration was very professional. We were very satisfied.”
Further delivered logistics projects: Lagerhäuser Aarau (1’703 kWp, 6’024 m²) and COTRA Autotransport AG (634 kWp, 3’132 m²).
Subsidies for logistics businesses
For the charging infrastructure, two routes lead through the Climate and Innovation Act (KlG); for the PV system itself, the GREIV applies.
The ASTAG sector programme is aimed exclusively at SMEs with fewer than 250 employees. The programme runs until December 2027 with a total budget of CHF 20 million. The subsidy rate is up to 40% of the eligible investment costs for e-truck charging infrastructure. The application must be approved before you sign the purchase contracts for the main components.
A KlG application to the SFOE is open to businesses of any size that present a net-zero roadmap. The subsidy rate is up to 50% of the eligible costs, but only for novel technologies and processes; whether a charging park qualifies is assessed by the SFOE case by case. For large logistics and freight forwarding companies, it is the route when the sector programme does not apply.
GREIV (the one-off payment for the PV system itself) amounts to up to 30% of the investment costs, regardless of company size.
A complete overview of all subsidies for industry and commerce is in the Subsidy Guide 2026.