At the end of 2025, the Canton of Zurich had around 923.6 megawatts of installed photovoltaic capacity – after Bern, the second-highest absolute capacity in Switzerland. In terms of per capita density, however, Zurich only ranks 24th out of 26 cantons due to its dense population. New systems are reported via the cantonal platform «Solaranlage melden» with a notice period of 30 days. This report bundles official structural data with experiences from our own projects in the region. (As of: SFOE register data August 2026, Swissolar annual figures 2025)
Key points in brief
- 923.6 MW installed capacity, around 32,829 systems (register status August 2026) – the second-highest absolute capacity of all cantons.
- Per capita, Zurich ranks 24th out of 26 with around 566 watts per inhabitant – a consequence of the high population density, not a low expansion in absolute numbers.
- Average system size: 28.1 kWp; in-roof proportion: 11.6% (slightly below the Swiss average of 12.7%).
- Notification procedure: cantonal platform «Solaranlage melden» / eBaugesucheZH, 30-day notice period; facades up to 11 m height also eligible for notification since 1 January 2026.
How much photovoltaics is installed in the Canton of Zurich?
According to the public SFOE installation register (as of August 2026), the Canton of Zurich has around 923.6 MW of installed capacity across around 32,829 recorded systems – after the Canton of Bern (1,071 MW), the second-highest absolute installed capacity in Switzerland. The average system size is 28.1 kWp, close to the Swiss average of 26.1 kWp.
| Metric | Value (Canton of Zurich) | Switzerland overall (comparison) |
|---|---|---|
| Installed capacity | 923.6 MW | 8,635 MW (register) / 9,498.6 MW (Swissolar annual figure) |
| Number of systems | 32’829 | 331,271 (register) / 338,270 (Swissolar) |
| Per-capita capacity | 566 W/inhabitant | 946 W/resident (Swiss average) |
| Per-capita density rank | 24 out of 26 | — |
| Average system size | 28.1 kWp | 26.1 kWp |
| Roof-integrated share | 11,6 % | 12,7 % |
Source: SFOE installation register «Elektrizitätsproduktionsanlagen» (register status August 2026); national annual figures from the Swissolar «Statistik Sonnenenergie 2025» (published 10 July 2026). The register and Swissolar annual figure differ structurally because the register systematically under-records the most recent 12 months.
Why is Zurich so far behind in per capita density, even though the absolute capacity is high?
The apparent contradiction is resolved by the population density: Zurich is by far the most populous canton in Switzerland, which means the same absolute capacity appears comparatively small when calculated per capita. In addition, there is a high density of apartment buildings, where often only one roof area is available per building for many residents. This is structurally determined, not an expression of a slower expansion rate in absolute numbers.
What are the procedural rules in the Canton of Zurich?
New solar systems in the Canton of Zurich are reported via the cantonal platform «Solaranlage melden» (eBaugesucheZH), with a notice period of 30 days. Since 1 January 2026, the simplified notification procedure also applies to facade systems up to 11 metres high under federal law; above that – except for single-family homes – an ordinary building permit is required. Details on the entire procedure, including exceptions for listed objects, are described in the guide on building permits in the Canton of Zurich.
The cantonal per capita figure surprises many of our customers because they primarily notice the many visible systems on Zurich roofs in everyday life. Both observations are correct: absolutely high installed capacity, but relative to the number of inhabitants, there is still room for improvement – especially in apartment buildings, where ZEV models can better exploit the potential per roof.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Canton of Zurich a leader in photovoltaics or not?
Both, depending on the yardstick: in absolute installed capacity, Zurich ranks 2nd in Switzerland. Calculated per capita, it only ranks 24th out of 26 due to the high population density.
How long does the notification procedure for a solar system in the Canton of Zurich take?
Generally 30 days via the cantonal platform «Solaranlage melden». Facade systems up to 11 metres high are also eligible for notification since 2026; higher facades require an ordinary building permit, except for single-family homes.
How current are these figures?
The structural data (capacity, number of systems, in-roof proportion) are from the SFOE register as of August 2026, the national comparative figures from the Swissolar annual statistics 2025 (published July 2026).
Where does the in-roof proportion of 11.6% come from?
From the same SFOE register analysis, explored in depth in the separate overview of the in-roof proportion per canton.
What is possible on your Zurich roof?
We check without obligation what makes technical and economic sense on your specific roof – in the context of the Zurich market, which we know from our own projects.
Sources: SFOE installation register «Elektrizitätsproduktionsanlagen» (register status August 2026), Swissolar «Statistik Sonnenenergie 2025», own project data.
Last updated: 18 September 2026 · Contact for questions on methodology: ecoEn editorial team
