Why Agrivoltaics Have Yet to Take Off in Switzerland – and What Could Change

In Switzerland, agrivoltaics currently account for 0.0% of installed solar capacity. That is not a rounding error – it is the stark reality captured in a new technical report by the ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences. While ground‑mounted PV itself represents just 0.1% of the country’s solar fleet, agri‑PV is virtually non‑existent.

This is not for lack of potential. The report estimates that even after restricting installations to sites within 300 metres of a grid connection, Switzerland could generate 113 TWh of solar electricity annually from agrivoltaic systems – nearly twice the country’s current electricity demand. Yet, with only a handful of pilot projects, the technology remains stranded by legal, administrative, and economic barriers.

At Sunlink, we see this as a cautionary tale – but also as an opportunity. Switzerland’s Energy Act mandates 35 TWh of non‑hydro renewables by 2035 and 45 TWh by 2050. Rooftop solar alone cannot deliver those volumes. The country will eventually need open‑field and agrivoltaic systems. The question is when, and under what conditions.

The Legal Hurdle: Article 24 of the Spatial Planning Act

The core barrier is Article 24 of the Spatial Planning Act (RPG). For PV on agricultural land, the law stipulates that solar use must not impair agricultural production. Instead, the installation must provide demonstrable benefits for agriculture or serve research purposes.

This requirement effectively excludes most commercial agrivoltaic projects. Unless a farmer can prove that the panels improve crop yield, reduce water stress, or protect against hail – and document it – the project cannot proceed. The result is a tiny handful of research and pilot installations, estimated at fewer than 100 nationwide.

Other Barriers: Profitability, Land Tenure, and Acceptance

Beyond the law, the report identifies:

• Uncertain profitability: High upfront costs and unclear revenue streams make agrivoltaics a risky investment.

• Land tenure: Around half of Swiss agricultural land is leased, complicating long‑term project development.

• Operational restrictions: Large machinery and irrigation systems may be hindered by panel structures.

• Local opposition: Although agrivoltaics enjoy broader acceptance than ground‑mounted PV, local resistance remains a factor.

What Switzerland Can Learn from Neighbours

The report explicitly recommends looking to Germany, France, Italy, and Austria – countries that are “significantly ahead of Switzerland in both regulation and project implementation.” These markets have already navigated similar legal and administrative hurdles, and their mistakes (and successes) offer a valuable blueprint.

For example:

• Germany has established dedicated agri‑PV categories in its Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG), with feed‑in tariffs that reflect the dual land use.

• France has introduced a regulatory framework that defines agrivoltaics as a distinct category, with clear criteria for agricultural benefit.

• Italy and Austria are running large‑scale pilot programmes and have integrated agrivoltaics into their national energy strategies.

Switzerland has the advantage of being a late mover – it can bypass early failures and adopt proven approaches directly.

Recommendations for Change

The ZHAW report sets out a clear action plan:

1. Amend Article 24 of the Spatial Planning Act to allow agrivoltaics that do not impair agricultural production, without requiring a net agricultural benefit – or at least broaden the definition of “benefit” to include climate adaptation and farm income diversification.

2. Create investment certainty by adapting existing support schemes (e.g., sliding market premiums) to agrivoltaics. Introduce a specific premium for agri‑PV, similar to those already available for parking‑lot PV and steep‑tilt systems.

3. Safeguard agricultural subsidy payments for land used for agrivoltaics, ensuring farmers do not lose direct payments.

4. Set local targets: While Swiss cantons have significant legislative power, they are not bound by specific capacity expansion goals. Translating national targets into cantonal obligations would accelerate deployment.

5. Enable local participation through citizen cooperatives and community ownership models, which can improve acceptance and spread benefits.

6. Establish dedicated advisory services to guide farmers and developers through the regulatory and technical complexities.

Sunlink’s Perspective: A Market Waiting to Unlock

At Sunlink, we see Switzerland’s agrivoltaic standstill as a classic case of policy lagging behind technology and economics. The potential is immense – 113 TWh of annual generation could not only cover current electricity demand but also support the country’s net‑zero ambitions. The technology is mature, and neighbouring markets have proven its viability.

The barriers are not technical; they are legal and administrative. Once those are addressed – through regulatory reform and clear investment signals – we expect a rapid acceleration in demand. Farmers will gain a diversified income stream, the grid will benefit from distributed generation, and Switzerland will move closer to its renewable targets.

As a global provider of high‑quality solar modules, inverters, and mounting solutions, Sunlink is closely monitoring the Swiss market. We are ready to support developers, farmers, and cooperatives with:

• Certified agrivoltaic‑compatible components – robust, durable, and designed for integration with agricultural operations.

• Tailored system design – panels at optimal heights and spacings to balance energy yield and crop productivity.

• Technical advisory – drawing on our experience in markets like Germany, France, and Italy.

The Swiss agrivoltaic market is currently at zero – but it will not stay there forever. The ZHAW report provides a clear roadmap. The question is whether policymakers and industry stakeholders will act on it swiftly enough to capture the opportunity.

Interested in exploring agrivoltaic opportunities in Switzerland or other markets? Contact Sunlink to discuss our integrated solar solutions and technical expertise.