Solar panels are the backbone of many Local Energy Communities (LEGs) in Switzerland. They provide clean, renewable energy directly to the community and make LEGs truly sustainable and economical.
In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn everything about planning, installing, and integrating solar panels into LEGs – from the first idea to optimal use.
Why Solar Panels for LEGs?
Benefits of Photovoltaics in LEGs
1. Local Energy Production:
- Energy production directly on-site
- Minimal transmission losses
- Independence from external sources
2. Economics:
- Cheaper energy prices for members
- Fair compensation for producers
- Typical savings: 15-40%
3. Sustainability:
- 100% renewable energy
- CO2 savings: 10-50 tons/year per LEG
- Contribution to Energy Strategy 2050
Planning Solar Panels in LEGs
Phase 1: Site Analysis
Important Factors:
1. Roof Area:
- Available area (m²)
- Orientation (South, South-East, South-West optimal)
- Inclination (20-40° ideal)
- Check shading
2. Statics:
- Roof load-bearing capacity
- Static review required
- Reinforcement possible (if needed)
Phase 2: Sizing
Typical Sizes:
- Small LEG (10-20 members): 20-50 kWp
- Medium LEG (20-50 members): 50-150 kWp
- Large LEG (50+ members): 150-500 kWp
Phase 3: Economic Calculation
Cost Analysis:
| Cost Type | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Modules (per kWp) | 800-1,200 CHF |
| Inverter | 300-500 CHF/kWp |
| Mounting System | 200-400 CHF/kWp |
| Installation | 300-500 CHF/kWp |
| Total (per kWp) | 2,000-3,000 CHF/kWp |
Installation
Step 1: Preparation
1.1 Building Permit:
- Apply with cantonal authorities
- Processing: 2-4 weeks
- Often simplified for rooftop solar
1.2 Award Contract:
- Select electrical installer
- Prefer certified companies
- Get multiple offers
- Check references
Step 2: Mounting
Duration: 2-5 days (depending on size)
Step 3: Electrical Installation
3.1 Inverter:
- Installation in technical room
- Connection to modules
- Connection to grid
3.2 Meter:
- Smart Meter Installation
- Bidirectional meter required
- Connection to LEG platform
Integration into LEG
Technical Integration
1. Smart Meter Connection:
- Production data to LEG platform
- Real-time monitoring
- Automatic billing
2. Energy Distribution:
- Priority: Self-consumption
- Surplus: Community
- Rest: Feed-in to grid
Legal Integration
1. Ownership:
- Community ownership (cooperative)
- Individual ownership
- Mixed models
Optimization and Maintenance
Production Optimization
Measures:
- Regular cleaning
- Avoid shading
- Use monitoring
- Technical maintenance
Typical Production Increase: 5-10%
Maintenance
Regular Measures:
- Cleaning: 1-2x per year
- Technical review: Annually
- Software updates: Continuously
Costs: 100-300 CHF/kWp per year
Grants for Solar Panels
Available Grants
1. Federal Grant:
- One-time payment: 200-300 CHF/kWp
- Up to 30% of investment costs
- Maximum 50,000 CHF
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What system size do I need?
Depends on:
- Community consumption
- Available area
- Budget
- Grants available
How long does installation take?
Typically:
- Planning: 2-4 weeks
- Building permit: 2-4 weeks
- Installation: 2-5 days
- Commissioning: 1-2 weeks
- Total: 6-12 weeks
How much does a solar panel system for an LEG cost?
Typically:
- 2,000-3,000 CHF/kWp
- 50 kWp system: 100,000-150,000 CHF
- After grant: 85,000-135,000 CHF
How much does a solar panel system produce?
Switzerland:
- 1,000-1,200 kWh/kWp per year
- 50 kWp = 50,000-60,000 kWh/year
How long does a solar panel system last?
Typically:
- Lifespan: 25-30 years
- Performance guarantee: 80% after 25 years
- Low maintenance
Next Steps
Ready for solar panels in your LEG?
- Establish or join LEG: Start your LEG
- Site analysis: Check possibilities
- Apply for grants: Use available grants
- Contact Upgrid: Get advice
Solar panels make LEGs sustainable and economical!
Related Articles:
- Photovoltaics in LEG: Maximizing Solar Energy Use
- Energy Storage in LEG: Batteries, Hydrogen, Pumped Storage
- LEG Cost-Benefit Analysis: How Much Can You Save?
- Smart Grid Technology for Energy Communities
About Upgrid: Upgrid supports you in integrating solar panels into LEGs. Visit Upgrid.ch for more information.