Switzerland’s Residential Solar PV Systems: Half Equipped with Battery Storage Systems, Industry Calls for National Strategy
According to a recent report by the Swiss Solar Association, Swissolar, approximately 50% of residential solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in Switzerland are now equipped with battery energy storage systems (BESS). This storage market report was presented during a member day event held in Lucerne, highlighting that “the number of battery storage systems has seen an average annual growth rate of nearly 100% over the past three years.”
A key driver for the increased adoption of home storage solutions has been the continuous decline in equipment prices. Data from Swissolar indicates that by 2024, the price of storage devices is expected to drop to $115 per kilowatt-hour. The report also notes that the newly added storage capacity in 2023 approached 1 GWh, with expectations for this growth trend to continue.
Matthias Egli, Managing Director of Swissolar, stated, “Battery storage systems are a crucial component for ensuring the security of electricity supply in Switzerland. They enhance the flexibility of solar energy utilization and effectively alleviate pressure on the grid.” Currently, solar energy accounts for about 14% of Switzerland’s energy consumption.
The association is urging for an expedited expansion of storage capacity and the implementation of incentive mechanisms to guide homeowners in optimizing grid operations. Jürg Grossen, Chairman of Swissolar, emphasized, “The Electricity Act has laid the legal foundation; now collaboration among all parties is necessary. The solar industry should leverage batteries and energy management systems to enhance self-consumption rates, while grid operators need to adjust pricing mechanisms, and government departments should refine policy frameworks.”
Additionally, the association proposed the establishment of a national storage strategy to coordinate the development of various storage systems. Gabriela Suter, Vice Chair of Swissolar, pointed out, “Future energy solutions must incorporate battery storage systems that can respond swiftly to grid demands.” The report includes six specific recommendations, such as clarifying the role of distributed storage in the energy system, optimizing pricing signal designs, and encouraging storage participation in the electricity balancing market.
In summary, the report underscores the importance of battery storage systems in enhancing the resilience and efficiency of Switzerland’s energy landscape.
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