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Swiss trade association Swissolar has urged the development of a national energy storage strategy to support the growing adoption of home solar-plus-battery systems across Switzerland. Currently, approximately one in every two residential photovoltaic (PV) installations in the country is coupled with a battery energy storage system (BESS). “Over the past three years, the total number of battery storage systems has almost doubled annually,” Swissolar revealed in its inaugural storage market report, published yesterday during the organisation’s Members’ Day event in Lucerne. A major factor driving the surge in home energy storage is the continued reduction in equipment costs, which Swissolar estimates to be around $115 per kilowatt-hour for 2024. The report analyses newly installed storage capacity for 2023 and anticipates significant growth last year, with nearly 1 gigawatt-hour (GWh) of additional capacity. “Battery storage systems play a vital role in securing Switzerland’s electricity supply by enabling the utilisation of domestically generated renewable energy,” commented Swissolar Managing Director Matthias Egli. “They enhance the flexibility of solar power usage and help alleviate pressure on the electricity grid.” Solar energy is projected to constitute approximately 14% of Switzerland’s energy consumption this year. Swissolar has called for the rapid expansion of energy storage capacity, supported by incentives that encourage owners to operate their systems in ways that bolster grid stability. “The necessary legal framework is established under the Electricity Act,” stated Swissolar President Jürg Grossen. “It is now incumbent upon all stakeholders to act. The solar industry must optimise self-consumption through batteries and energy management systems. Distribution grid operators must adapt tariffs and taxation to reflect the new energy production landscape. Meanwhile, policymakers should continue to refine the regulatory framework. It is crucial that the solution we helped develop—remuneration based on hourly market prices—is implemented without delay.” The association advocates for a comprehensive national energy storage strategy to further promote the integration of photovoltaic systems with energy storage. “Battery storage systems capable of storing electricity temporarily and delivering it to the grid within milliseconds when required must be included in future energy scenarios,” said Swissolar Vice President Gabriela Suter. The organisation emphasises that such a strategy should encompass all forms of energy storage—both seasonal and short-term—to avoid excessive grid expansion. Swissolar’s report concludes with six key recommendations for policymakers, grid operators, and the industry. It calls for decentralised battery storage systems to be properly integrated within the energy system and highlights the importance of well-designed price signals and financial incentives. Targeted support for the intelligent incorporation of BESS is essential, the report states, while district and regional energy storage could reduce the need for costly grid upgrades. Furthermore, Swissolar stresses the need to facilitate access for BESS to grid balancing energy markets and to eliminate barriers to data exchange. To find out more about solar and storage projects in Switzerland for residential solar, commercial and industrial solar and storage, and to reach the booming Swiss market, attend Solar & Storage Live Zurich, 16-17 September, Messe Zurich and join over 3,000 solar industry professionals. Discover more. |
