2025 is the year when Local Energy Communities (LEGs) gain massive importance in Switzerland. Learn which factors are driving this transformation.
2025 marks a historic turning point for Local Energy Communities (LEGs) in Switzerland. What was considered a niche concept for years is now becoming mainstream. Why is that? What factors make 2025 the year of energy communities?
In this article, you'll learn about the political, technological, economic, and societal developments making 2025 the breakthrough year for LEGs in Switzerland.
The Perfect Convergence: Why Now?
2025 brings together several critical factors that massively advance LEGs:
1. New Regulations from 2026
What's changing?
Switzerland is significantly expanding rules for rooftop solar, energy storage, and energy communities from 2026. This creates:
Expanded opportunities: More flexibility in establishing and operating LEGs
Clear framework: Legal certainty for investors and participants
Financial incentives: Improved grants and subsidies
Simplified processes: Less bureaucracy in establishment
Why this matters:
Many Swiss people are consciously waiting for the new regulations before joining or founding an LEG. With the announcement of details for 2026, 2025 becomes the year of preparation and growth.
2. Energy Strategy 2050: Time Pressure Increases
The goals:
Net-zero emissions by 2050
Phase-out of nuclear power
50% renewable energy by 2035
43% increase in energy efficiency by 2035
Where are we in 2025?
With only 25 years until 2050, it's clear: Switzerland must act now. LEGs are one of the most efficient ways to achieve these goals because they:
Promote local, renewable energy
Directly involve citizens
Are quickly scalable
Are economically attractive
2025 is the year when urgency becomes reality.
3. Technological Maturity Achieved
Smart Grid Technology:
Smart meters are now standard
Digital platforms are mature and user-friendly
AI-powered optimization is becoming increasingly accessible
Blockchain technology enables transparent trading
Why this matters in 2025:
The technology that makes LEGs possible is now:
Affordable: Costs for smart meters and software have significantly dropped
Reliable: Decades of development have created stable systems
User-friendly: Platforms like Upgrid make LEG management easy
Scalable: Systems can handle thousands of participants
4. Economic Attractiveness
Cost Development:
Year
Solar Panel Price
LEG Savings
ROI
2020
1,500 CHF/kWp
15-25%
8-12 years
2025
1,000 CHF/kWp
15-40%
5-8 years
2030 (forecast)
800 CHF/kWp
20-45%
4-6 years
Why 2025 is the sweet spot:
Cheap technology: Solar panels are cheaper than ever
Rising electricity prices: Grid electricity becomes more expensive, LEG energy stays cheap
Improved grants: New subsidies make LEGs more attractive
Faster payback: Investments pay off faster
5. Societal Change
Changed attitudes:
Climate awareness: 75% of Swiss people see climate change as an important problem
Local initiatives: Desire for more local control and engagement
Community spirit: After the pandemic, stronger desire for community
Sustainability in everyday life: Environmental awareness is put into practice
2025: From awareness to action
After years of awareness change, more and more people are now acting:
They install solar panels
They are interested in LEGs
They want to actively contribute to the energy transition
They are looking for practical solutions
6. Political Support at All Levels
Federal level:
Clear promotion of energy communities in the Energy Act
Financial incentives through the BFE (Federal Office of Energy)
Investments in smart grid infrastructure
Cantonal level:
Many cantons offer additional grants
Simplified approval procedures
Support in establishing LEGs
Municipal level:
Municipalities establish their own LEGs
Support for citizen LEGs
Integration into municipal energy strategies
2025: Coordinated support
All levels work together to promote LEGs – this has never been as strong as in 2025.
Numbers and Facts: Growth in 2025
Expected Developments
Number of LEGs:
2024: ~200 LEGs in Switzerland
2025 (forecast): ~400-600 LEGs
2026 (forecast): ~800-1,200 LEGs
Number of participants:
2024: ~10,000 participants
2025 (forecast): ~25,000-40,000 participants
2026 (forecast): ~60,000-100,000 participants
Investments:
2025: Estimated 200-300 million CHF in LEG infrastructure
Focus on solar panels, storage, smart meters
Regional Hotspots
Particularly strong growth expected in:
Zurich: Largest urban LEG projects
Basel: Pioneer region for energy communities
Bern: Strong political support
Geneva: International role model function
Rural regions: Alpine LEGs with hydropower
The Role of Digitization
Platforms like Upgrid Make the Difference
Digital platforms have made LEGs mass-marketable:
Before digitization:
Complex manual billing
Difficult coordination between members
High administrative burden
Limited scalability
With modern platforms (2025):
✅ Automatic real-time billing
✅ Easy communication and coordination
✅ Minimal administrative burden
✅ Unlimited scalability
Upgrid as an example:
As Switzerland's leading LEG platform, Upgrid enables:
About Upgrid: Upgrid is Switzerland's leading platform for Local Energy Communities. We make it easy to join an LEG or establish one. Visit Upgrid.ch for more information.
