What Is the Einmalvergütung?
The Einmalvergütung (EIV) is Switzerland's federal one-off investment rebate for rooftop solar systems. Administered by Pronovo AG on behalf of the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE / BFE), it replaced the older KEV feed-in tariff for new small-scale systems in 2018. Unlike the KEV, the EIV is paid as a lump sum at commissioning — not spread over 25 years — making cash-flow planning much simpler.
Two tiers exist:
- EIV small (KLEIV): systems up to 100 kWp. Fixed flat-rate payment, applied-for after installation.
- EIV large (GREIV): systems from 100 kWp upward. Calculated individually; requires pre-approval.
Most Swiss family homes fall under KLEIV.
2026 KLEIV Rate Table
Pronovo revises base rates annually. The figures below reflect the rates published for systems registered on or after 1 January 2026:
| System size | Base rebate (CHF/kWp) | Estimated total for typical size |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 10 kWp | CHF 700 | CHF 4,900 (7 kWp system) |
| 10–30 kWp | CHF 560 | CHF 11,200 (20 kWp system) |
| 30–100 kWp | CHF 490 | CHF 34,300 (70 kWp system) |
Note: These are federal base rates. Many cantons top these up — see the cantonal bonus section below.
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Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the EIV, your installation must meet several criteria:
- New systems only: retrofits that significantly increase capacity may also qualify
- Minimum size: 2 kWp for KLEIV
- Grid connection: the system must feed into the Swiss electricity grid
- Certified components: panels and inverters must appear on Pronovo's approved product list (updated quarterly)
- Swiss installer: the commissioning must be carried out by a licensed Swiss electrician
- Valid building permit: Meldeverfahren (simplified notification procedure) or full Baubewilligung depending on your canton and roof type
Step-by-Step Application Process
1. Get quotes and choose a system
Use a comparison platform like Comparisun to compare certified Swiss solar installers and collect quotes. Confirm the proposed components appear on Pronovo's current approved-products list before signing.
2. Obtain building permission
For most roof-integrated systems on existing buildings, the simplified Meldeverfahren applies — a quick notification to your commune rather than a full permit. Check with your cantonal Energiefachstelle for local rules.
3. Install and commission
Your installer connects the system and obtains a commissioning protocol.
4. Register on pronovo.ch
Create an account on the Pronovo portal and submit your registration within 3 months of commissioning. You will need the commissioning date, installer details, panel serial numbers, and inverter model.
5. Receive payment
Pronovo reviews your application and — if approved — transfers the rebate directly to your bank account, typically within 6 to 10 weeks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing the 3-month registration window (hard deadline — no extensions)
- Installing non-approved panels that have been removed from Pronovo's list mid-project
- Forgetting to separate EIV payments from taxable income reporting (EIV is not income tax-exempt; cantons differ)
- Applying before commissioning is complete
How Does the EIV Compare to the Old KEV?
The legacy Kostendeckende Einspeisevergütung (KEV) offered guaranteed feed-in tariffs over 25 years. It is now closed to new applicants. Existing KEV recipients continue under their original contracts. If your building has a KEV contract, you cannot simultaneously claim EIV on the same system — speak to Pronovo if you are expanding.
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Stacking with Cantonal Incentives
Federal EIV and cantonal solar bonuses are generally stackable. Cantons including Bern, Geneva, and Zurich offer additional grants that can add CHF 500–2,000 per installation. Always confirm current cantonal rates with your Energiefachstelle before budgeting.