Frequently Asked Questions

Decision support for investors and facility managers. In this FAQ you will find answers to all topics relating to your industrial energy infrastructure: large-scale PV, battery storage, e-mobility, ZEV/LEG, energy marketing, repowering and service. Written from the perspective of decision-makers in industry and commerce with annual electricity consumption from 200,000 kWh.

General

Ampere Dynamic is an owner-managed company based in Zurich, founded in 2020, specialising in turnkey energy solutions for industry and commerce from 100 kWp.

What makes Ampere Dynamic stand out?

As an owner-managed company, we respond flexibly to your needs without dependence on external investors. We deliver bespoke, turnkey energy solutions tailored precisely to the specific requirements of your site. With over 150 completed large-scale installations and 50 MWp of installed capacity, we bring an unparalleled depth of experience in the Swiss industrial market. Our references speak for themselves.

Our offering covers PV, battery storage, e-mobility solutions, ZEV/LEG, energy marketing, repowering and service from a single source.

What does Ampere Dynamic not do?

Ampere Dynamic focuses on large-scale systems for industry and commerce. Private systems: Our expertise lies in solar power plants from 100 kWp for businesses with annual electricity consumption from 200,000 kWh. Other energy systems without PV connection: Services for purely conventional energy systems are coordinated with selected specialists.

How quickly does Ampere Dynamic respond after my enquiry?

We respond within 2 working days with an initial assessment of your project. No automated first contacts: direct feedback from a specialist who can evaluate your situation.

Which building types and roof forms are suitable for solar installations?

Flat roofs, trapezoidal roofs, corrugated roofs, facades and parking canopies are all suitable. Lightweight modules (up to 60% lighter than conventional glass modules) are available for roofs with limited load-bearing reserves. As part of our feasibility study, we assess statics, roof pitch, orientation and shading. For more detail, see Module and Roof Types.

Economics and Investment

For industrial and commercial businesses, economic viability is the primary decision factor.

Is a large-scale PV system worthwhile for my business?

For businesses with annual electricity consumption of 200,000 kWh or more, a large-scale system is clearly economically viable. The key factors are your load profile, self-consumption share and available roof areas. Through targeted self-consumption optimisation, well-planned systems achieve rates of 70–90%. This maximises the economics and accelerates payback significantly. Contact us for an individual economic calculation. Response within 2 working days.

How quickly does the investment pay off?

Commercial solar power plants in Switzerland typically pay for themselves within 4–6 years. This timeframe depends on system size, self-consumption share, available subsidies and local electricity costs. As part of our consulting process, we create an individual amortisation calculation for your specific situation.

What is peak shaving and how does it reduce my energy costs?

Peak shaving refers to the targeted reduction of load peaks using a battery storage system. It detects approaching load spikes and discharges before the grid connection is expensively burdened. Industrial and commercial businesses with high demand charge components in their grid fee invoices typically save CHF 15,000–40,000 per year. See Battery Storage for further details.

Is repowering worthwhile for existing installations?

Replacing ageing modules and inverters on an 8 to 15-year-old installation increases yield by 20–40% and pays for itself in 2–4 years. The investment is 30–50% less than a new build, as the roof structure, grid connection and permits largely remain in place. Inverters have a typical lifespan of 10–12 years and are often the first trigger. See Repowering for details.

Shouldn’t I wait until prices fall further?

Whoever invests today benefits immediately from energy cost savings. Every month of delay means foregone savings. Current one-time subsidies (KLEIV/GREIV) are attractive, with no guarantee of better conditions in the future. Our economic analysis shows you the optimal investment timing for your situation.

Technology and Implementation

From the first contact to turnkey handover, every project follows the proven Ampere Method.

How does a project run from enquiry to commissioning?

Typical projects take 6–12 months from enquiry to commissioning. The phases are: needs analysis and feasibility study, engineering and planning, construction and installation, grid connection and commissioning. Ampere Dynamic manages all steps as general contractor from a single source. Zero operational disruption is a binding requirement throughout.

Does the installation disrupt our operations?

No. We carefully plan installation work and coordinate the schedule closely with you so that your business operations can continue undisturbed. Zero operational disruption is a binding requirement for us, not a statement of intent.

What is a ZEV and how does it work?

A Zusammenschluss zum Eigenverbrauch (ZEV, collective self-consumption scheme) allows multiple consumers on the same site to share solar power as a single grid metering point. The vZEV (virtual ZEV) has connected multiple neighbouring plots digitally since 1 January 2025, without physical cabling. This raises the self-consumption share from 30–40% to up to 70–90%. See ZEV and LEG for further details.

What is an LEG and how does it differ from a ZEV?

A Lokale Elektrizitätsgemeinschaft (LEG, local electricity community) has allowed the shared use of renewable energy at neighbourhood or municipal level since 1 January 2026, across multiple grid metering points. It is particularly suitable for industrial and commercial parks with several properties. Economically, ZEV internal prices of 15–22 Rp./kWh are achievable, compared with 5–12 Rp./kWh for grid feed-in.

What charging infrastructure does Ampere Dynamic offer for electric vehicles?

Ampere Dynamic installs charging infrastructure with 10 to 200+ charging points and charging capacities of 22 kW to 400 kW per point. The offering includes integrated load management, PV truckports and EMS integration for complete sector coupling. The flagship project Hugelshofer (1,001 kWp, 28 charging points, 400 kW DC, Swiss Logistics Award 2024) demonstrates the achievable potential. See E-Mobility.

How can I market surplus solar power?

Surplus solar power can be marketed in several ways: grid feed-in (5–12 Rp./kWh), internal ZEV distribution (15–22 Rp./kWh), spot market trading, power purchase agreements (PPAs) for installations from approximately 3 GWh, and the sliding market premium (GMP) for full feed-in. Ampere Dynamic manages the active portfolio. See Energy Marketing for details.

Which modules are suitable for flat roofs, trapezoidal roofs or facades?

Conventional glass modules are suitable for all common roof types. Lightweight modules (up to 60% lighter) are available for flat roofs with limited load capacity. Bifacial modules maximise yield on facades and steep installations by utilising rear-side reflection, achieving up to 25% additional yield in suitable locations. See Module and Roof Types and Vertical PV.

Financing and Subsidies

Swiss subsidy programmes significantly reduce the initial investment. The application must be submitted correctly and on time.

What financing options are available?

We structure the right financing solution for your situation: self-investment, leasing or contracting. With self-investment, you receive all subsidies directly. With leasing, instalments typically remain below energy savings, with ownership transferring at the end. With contracting, you pay only for produced electricity, without capital outlay. Ampere Dynamic evaluates and structures the appropriate solution. See Financing.

What subsidies are available in Switzerland?

The main federal subsidies are the one-time payments KLEIV (below 100 kWp) and GREIV (from 100 kWp), supplemented by cantonal and municipal programmes. We handle the entire subsidy application process from A to Z so that no subsidy franc is lost. See Subsidies for more details.

Which new subsidy bonuses apply since 2025?

Since 1 January 2025, three new bonuses apply to KLEIV/GREIV under the Mantelerlass: integration bonus +400 CHF/kW for building-integrated modules (BIPV), fastening bonus +200 CHF/kW for attached and freestanding systems, and parking canopy bonus +250 CHF/kW from 100 kWp. From 1 January 2026, the winter electricity bonus applies to installations producing more than 500 kWh per kW during the winter half-year.

Are there specific subsidy programmes for e-truck charging infrastructure?

Yes. The ASTAG industry programme of the Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) subsidises charging infrastructure for SMEs with fewer than 250 employees at up to 40% of eligible costs, with a total budget of CHF 20 million. The Climate and Innovation Act (KlG) enables companies with more than 250 employees to receive subsidies of up to 50% of investment costs for net-zero measures.

Does my company need to draw up a net-zero roadmap?

Companies with more than 250 employees have been subject to reporting and target obligations under the Climate and Innovation Act (KlG) since 2025. Investments in PV, battery storage and e-mobility are directly credited and can be subsidised through KlG funds. Ampere Dynamic supports you in planning a KlG-compliant energy strategy.

Service and Operations

A solar installation is infrastructure with an operating life of 25–30 years. Proactive service secures the economics over the entire operating period.

What maintenance and service does Ampere Dynamic offer?

For maximum economic performance, we offer three service tiers (Basic, Plus, Prime): 24/7 remote monitoring with immediate alerts for deviations, fast support and proactive maintenance with regular inspections, thermography and performance reports. See Service and Operations.

What happens in the event of a fault or performance drop?

The 24/7 remote monitoring detects deviations immediately and triggers an automatic alert. Critical faults are resolved within 2 working days. Proactive maintenance and regular thermography inspections prevent most faults before they have any measurable economic impact.

How long does a solar installation last?

PV modules are designed for an operating life of 25–30 years. Inverters have a typical lifespan of 10–12 years and are replaced on schedule within the service contract or modernised as part of a repowering project. A well-maintained installation produces economically over its entire operating life.

Does Ampere Dynamic also offer service for battery storage and charging infrastructure?

Yes. Service and operations cover all technologies: PV installations, battery storage and EV charging infrastructure. Clients benefit from a single point of contact for their entire plant portfolio, including EMS optimisation and energy marketing.