In 2026, the Elektrizitätswerk des Kantons Schaffhausen (EKS) remunerates exported solar power according to the federal reference market price – the quarterly averaged market price. For systems up to 30 kW, the statutory minimum remuneration of 6 Rp./kWh applies as a floor. You can market the ecological added value (guarantee of origin, GO) separately – up to 3.00 Rp./kWh in 2026. Remuneration therefore fluctuates from quarter to quarter, but is protected on the downside. (As of July 2026)
Key points in brief
- In 2026, EKS remunerates solar power according to the federal quarterly averaged reference market price.
- For systems up to 30 kW, the statutory minimum remuneration of 6 Rp./kWh applies as a floor.
- The guarantee of origin (GO) can be marketed separately – up to 3.00 Rp./kWh in 2026.
- Remuneration fluctuates per quarter, because the reference market price is redetermined each quarter.
- EKS's current publication is always decisive – check the quarterly value.
How does EKS remunerate exported solar power?
Like almost all grid operators, EKS has switched remuneration to the reference market price under the new Electricity Act. This is the nationwide uniform, quarterly averaged market price calculated and published by the Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) after each quarter. For electricity fed into the EKS distribution grid (for systems up to 3 MW), this reference market price applies as the basis.
What that means: your remuneration is no longer fixed for the whole year, but follows the market – tending to be higher in winter (Q1/Q4), lower in summer (Q2/Q3), because a lot of solar power pushes into the grid at once then. How the reference market price works exactly is explained in the article Reference market price. The big overview of all Zurich and neighbouring grid operators is provided by the article Feed-in tariffs at a glance.
What is the 6 Rp. minimum remuneration?
So that small producers aren't left unprotected against the market's lowest prices, the Energy Act guarantees a minimum remuneration of 6 Rp./kWh for solar systems with an output up to 30 kW. If the reference market price falls below this threshold in a quarter, the floor is paid out.
| Component | EKS 2026 |
|---|---|
| Base remuneration | Reference market price (quarterly, SFOE) |
| Minimum remuneration (up to 30 kW) | 6 Rp./kWh |
| Guarantee of origin (GO) | separately marketable, up to 3.00 Rp./kWh |
| Feed-in output limit | Systems up to 3 MW |
Guideline figures, as of July 2026 (EKS publication on the 2026 feed-in tariffs). The reference market price changes quarterly – the current publication of EKS or the SFOE is decisive.
This 6-centime floor isn't an EKS peculiarity, but applies nationwide – the details are covered by the article Minimum feed-in remuneration.
What's the deal with the guarantee of origin?
In addition to the energy remuneration, you can sell the ecological added value of your solar power – the guarantee of origin (GO). At EKS, GO remuneration in 2026 is separate and amounts to up to 3.00 Rp./kWh. Important to understand: energy and the GO are two separate things – you sell the electricity once, and the certificate proving it comes from solar power once. Anyone who doesn't transfer the GO keeps the ecological added value, but forgoes the remuneration. The concept behind this is explained in the article Guarantee of origin for electricity; the marketing practice is covered by Selling guarantees of origin.
In the end, your remuneration in 2026 is made up of two building blocks: the reference market price (at least 6 Rp. for small systems) plus up to 3 Rp. for the GO.
In the EKS area, we regularly see the same disappointment with new systems: customers remember the former, higher fixed tariffs and keep calculating with those. We set the record straight: since the Electricity Act, the reference market price counts, and it fluctuates – more in winter, less in summer. The most important thing we tell people: it's not the feed-in tariff that makes the system economical, but self-consumption. Every kilowatt-hour you use yourself is worth considerably more than every one you export for the market price. And the GO part shouldn't be left on the table – that's a few centimes you'd otherwise be giving away. We set up the GO marketing right at commissioning.
Frequently asked questions
How much does EKS pay for solar power in 2026?
EKS remunerates according to the federal quarterly averaged reference market price. For systems up to 30 kW, a floor of 6 Rp./kWh applies. On top of that comes the separately marketable guarantee of origin (GO) at up to 3.00 Rp./kWh. Because the reference market price is redetermined each quarter, the exact value fluctuates – the current EKS publication is decisive.
Why isn't the EKS tariff fixed any more?
Because with the Electricity Act, all grid operators switched to the uniform reference market price. It's calculated quarterly by the SFOE and follows the electricity market. Fixed annual tariffs like before no longer exist under this model – in return, remuneration for small systems is protected on the downside at 6 Rp./kWh.
What does the guarantee of origin do for me?
The GO is the tradable proof that your electricity comes from solar power. At EKS in 2026, it can be marketed separately for up to 3.00 Rp./kWh – on top of the energy remuneration. Anyone who doesn't transfer it keeps the ecological added value, but forgoes this remuneration. A reputable installer sets up the GO marketing at commissioning.
Is a system worth it in the EKS area despite the fluctuating tariff?
Yes – but the economics are decided by self-consumption, not the feed-in tariff. Every kilowatt-hour used yourself is worth more than every one exported. The reference market price plus the GO is extra revenue for the surplus, not the basis of the calculation. Together with incentives and the tax deduction, the overall calculation stays solid.
Free initial consultation
Planning a system in the EKS area?
We work out your system for high self-consumption – that's the lever – and set up the Pronovo and GO registration at commissioning.
Prefer to talk? +41 78 830 83 35
Your photovoltaic system from a specialist company →
Swissolar-certified specialist company · ESTI installation authorisation (Art. 14 NIV) · in Zurich since 2017 · over 150 systems completed · a personal answer from the specialist company, no call centre
Sources: Elektrizitätswerk des Kantons Schaffhausen (EKS, 2026 feed-in tariff publication), Energy Act and Energy Promotion Ordinance (EnFV Art. 15), Federal Office of Energy (reference market price). As of July 2026.
Last updated: 9 July 2026 · Author: ecoEn editorial team
