Solar Plant Financing

Key Takeaways

4 Min. Lesezeit

5 Punkte anzeigen

1. Own investment pays back in 4–6 years Own investment delivers the highest long-term return, with amortisation in 4–6 years and all subsidies of up to 30% paid directly to you.
2. Leasing requires CHF 0 equity Monthly leasing instalments are typically below electricity cost savings, so the installation finances itself and transfers to your ownership at end of term.
3. Contracting: zero investment risk With contracting, you pay only for electricity produced. It is the most expensive model overall, but we independently evaluate the right partner without brokerage fees.
4. Grid prices up 40% since 2021 Every year without your own installation costs you the full market price differential. Grid electricity prices have risen by over 40% since 2021.
5. Commission-free financing advice We structure the optimal financing within our network without any commission interest, with the decision made during the advisory phase before construction begins.

Financing without capital commitment — three routes to your own plant

Every year without your own solar plant costs you the full grid electricity volume — at market prices that have risen by over 40% since 2021. The financing question is not an obstacle; it is a structural decision. Own investment, leasing or contracting — each model has clear economic consequences that we calculate together with you.

We structure the appropriate financing within our network of Swiss financial institutions or coordinate with your house bank — without brokerage fees or commissions. We address the financing decision during the advisory phase, so your plant stands on an economically sound foundation from the outset.

4–6 Years

Typical amortisation with own investment

0 CHF

Equity requirement with contracting

100 %

Investment costs financeable via leasing

The three models compared

The differences between financing models concern more than the monthly rate — they determine ownership, subsidy entitlement, risk profile, and long-term return. The table below shows the key criteria at a glance.

Own Investment vs. Leasing vs. Contracting

Criterion	Own Investment	Leasing	Contracting
Equity requirement	Full investment amount (CHF 200k–2m+)	CHF 0 — financing partner covers costs	CHF 0 — contracting partner covers costs
Plant ownership	In your possession immediately	Transfer after term	Remains with contracting partner
Subsidies (KLEIV/GREIV)	You receive the subsidy directly	Subsidy applicable as down payment	Remains with contracting partner
Billing	One-time investment — then no further rate	Fixed monthly rate	Per kWh produced
Amortisation / return	Highest return — typically 4–6 years	Lower return, but no equity required	No own yield
Suitable for	Capital available, maximum economic return	Balance sheet protection, no equity needed	Zero-risk entry, no effort

With own investment, you use your capital for a permanently high-yield infrastructure investment. The plant amortises itself in 4–6 years and belongs entirely to you — including all subsidies and savings. References such as Balteschwiler AG (3’092 kWp) and Hugelshofer Services AG (1’001 kWp) demonstrate what is achievable with large-scale projects.

With leasing, a financing partner covers 100% of the investment costs. The monthly leasing rates are generally below the electricity savings achieved — the plant therefore finances itself. At the end of the leasing term, the solar plant transfers to your ownership free of charge.

With contracting, you pay exclusively for the electricity actually generated — at an agreed price per kWh below the grid tariff. We do not offer contracting ourselves but evaluate a suitable contracting partner who covers acquisition, operation and maintenance. Contracting is the most expensive financing model over the entire project period, but the only one with a genuine zero-risk entry.

Financing as part of the overall strategy

The financing structure is not an afterthought — it influences project size, ownership strategy and balance sheet. We clarify the optimal structure during our energy consulting process and coordinate directly with your house bank or specialist Swiss financing institutions as needed.

Learn more about funding opportunities on the Subsidies page — one-off payments, KLEIV and GREIV can benefit your project directly, depending on the financing model.