Agri-photovoltaics – the simultaneous use of the same area for agriculture and solar power production – has been more clearly regulated legally in Switzerland since June 2024, but requires the proof of an agricultural benefit. A central reference project by Agroscope has been running since 2021 in Conthey (Valais); in September 2025, a 4,000 m² system over fruit trees was inaugurated there. (As of: September 2026)
Key points in brief
- Agri-photovoltaics concerns modules on or over the agricultural area itself – unlike PV on barn or stable roofs.
- Since June 2024, a legal basis for the permit exists; the proof of an agricultural benefit is required.
- Agroscope has been running a reference project in Conthey (Valais) since 2021; in September 2025, a 4,000 m² system over fruit crops was inaugurated there.
- The Canton of Zurich is checking eight areas on three businesses in its own pilot project.
What distinguishes agri-photovoltaics from PV on agricultural buildings?
Photovoltaics on barn, stable and coach house roofs has been established in Switzerland for some time. Agri-photovoltaics in the narrower sense, on the other hand, means modules directly on or over the agricultural area – for example, elevated over berry crops or fruit trees – so that the same area is simultaneously used agriculturally and tapped for solar power production.
Which pilot projects are running in Switzerland?
| Project | Location | Crop / Focus | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agroscope reference project | Conthey, Valais | originally strawberries/raspberries (start 2021); since September 2025 additionally 4,000 m² over fruit trees | in operation |
| Cantonal pilot project Zurich | three businesses, eight areas | Checking of various system types (spatial planning, agronomy, profitability) | ongoing |
As of: September 2026. Sources: Agroscope, Canton of Zurich.
What does that mean for agricultural businesses concretely today?
For most businesses, classic photovoltaics on farm building roofs remains the more obvious and legally established first step – more on this in the guide to PV on agricultural buildings. Agri-photovoltaics in the narrower sense is still a pilot and research field in Switzerland.
Agri-photovoltaic enquiries are currently the exception in our day-to-day business – most businesses realise their solar potential first via roof areas, which are legally and economically clearer.
Frequently asked questions
Is agri-photovoltaics the same as photovoltaics on a barn roof?
No. Photovoltaics on barn or stable roofs is an established, regular application. Agri-photovoltaics in the narrower sense means modules directly over the cultivated area itself.
Can I as an agricultural business already get an agri-PV system permitted today?
Since June 2024, a legal basis exists for this, linked to the proof of an agricultural benefit.
What does the Agroscope project in Conthey show?
Since 2021, it has been investigating how photovoltaic modules over berry and, since 2025, also over fruit crops affect yield, crop protection and profitability.
Are there already commercially available agri-PV solutions for Swiss businesses?
The area is still predominantly in the pilot and research phase in Switzerland.
Solarise farm buildings first?
For most businesses, the roof area is the economically most obvious entry – we check without obligation what is possible on your buildings.
Sources: Agroscope (media releases), Canton of Zurich (pilot project agri-photovoltaics), Bauernzeitung.
Last updated: 18 September 2026 · Contact for questions on methodology: ecoEn editorial team
