At the end of 2025 the canton of Schwyz had roughly 156.4 megawatts of installed photovoltaic capacity across roughly 5,027 systems. Striking is the above-average in-roof share of 16.7%. The notification procedure runs as a «building notification for a minor project» via ebau-sz.ch: without objection from the municipality within 20 days, the system is deemed approved. (As of: SFOE register data August 2026, Swissolar annual figures 2025)
Key points in brief
- 156.4 MW installed capacity, roughly 5,027 systems (register status August 2026).
- Per capita roughly 919 watts per resident – rank 19 of 26.
- Average system size 31.1 kWp; in-roof share 16.7% – clearly above the nationwide average of 12.7%.
- Notification procedure: «building notification for a minor project» via ebau-sz.ch, to be submitted at least 20 days before construction starts; without objection after 20 days the system is deemed approved.
How much photovoltaics is installed in the canton of Schwyz?
According to the SFOE plant register (as of August 2026), the canton of Schwyz has roughly 156.4 MW of installed capacity across roughly 5,027 systems. With roughly 919 watts per resident, Schwyz is ranked 19 of 26 cantons in per-capita density.
| Metric | Value (canton of Schwyz) | Switzerland overall (comparison) |
|---|---|---|
| Installed capacity | 156.4 MW | 8,635 MW (register) / 9,498.6 MW (Swissolar) |
| Number of systems | 5’027 | 331,271 (register) / 338,270 (Swissolar) |
| Per-capita capacity | 919 W/resident | 946 W/resident (Swiss average) |
| Per-capita density rank | 19 of 26 | — |
| Average system size | 31.1 kWp | 26.1 kWp |
| Roof-integrated share | 16,7 % | 12,7 % |
Source: SFOE plant register (register status August 2026); national comparison values from Swissolar's «Solar energy statistics 2025».
What applies procedurally in the canton of Schwyz?
In the canton of Schwyz, solar systems are notified as a «building notification for a minor project» via the platform ebau-sz.ch (§ 75a PBG). The notification must be submitted at least 20 days before construction starts; if the municipality raises no objection within this period, the system is deemed approved. In industrial, commercial and public zones, the notification also applies under paragraph 4 to facades that are not adapted to their surroundings. From a facade height of more than 11 metres, a fire-protection concept is additionally required.
Why is the in-roof share so high in Schwyz?
At 16.7%, Schwyz is clearly above the nationwide average of 12.7% and also above the neighbouring cantons of Zurich (11.6%) and Zug (7.3%). The register provides no officially confirmed explanation; conceivable are links with the more alpine building tradition and the protection of townscapes in parts of the canton, which can favour in-roof solutions.
In projects on the shores of Lake Zurich and in the wider Höfe district we experience enquiries about in-roof solutions more frequently than in other parts of our core area – that matches the above-average cantonal in-roof share, even though our own projects there are still limited in number.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the notification procedure take in the canton of Schwyz?
The notification must be submitted at least 20 days before construction starts. If the municipality raises no objection within this period, the system is deemed approved.
Why is the in-roof share in Schwyz higher than in Zurich or Zug?
That can't be conclusively explained from the register data alone. Possible factors are the more alpine building tradition and local townscape protection in parts of the canton.
Do different rules apply to facade systems in commercial zones?
Yes, in industrial, commercial and public zones the notification also applies to non-adapted facades. From 11 metres of facade height, a fire-protection concept is additionally required.
How current are these figures?
Structural data as of August 2026 (SFOE register), national comparison values from Swissolar's 2025 annual statistics.
Planning a solar system in the canton of Schwyz?
We clarify the notification procedure and the question of in-roof or on-roof for your specific building.
Sources: SFOE plant register (register status August 2026), Swissolar «Solar energy statistics 2025», planning aid of the canton of Schwyz.
Last updated: 18 September 2026 · Contact for questions on methodology: ecoEn editorial team
