The study shows that the feed-in tariff for surplus electricity from PV systems in Switzerland will increase from CHF 0.101/kWh (USD 0.10/kWh) to CHF 0.155/kWh in the coming year, mainly because the electricity price has been able to rise.
In Switzerland, PV system operators who inject surplus electricity from PV systems into the grid will receive more funding in 2023. In turn, grid operators will increase their revenues by an average of 55%, which means that the average electricity tariff could rise from CHF 0.101 (USD 0.10)/kWh to CHF 0.155/kWh.
The Swiss Association of Independent Energy Producers (VESE) says that there is still no guarantee that Swiss PV system operators will be paid to cover the rising cost of electricity. The association is therefore calling for a new revenue model.
The data released by VESE is based on information provided by the 30 largest grid operators, who will determine the annual remuneration for the surplus electricity from PV systems fed into the grid.
The Swiss Association of Independent Energy Producers (VESE) said that it needs to accept the fact that photovoltaic power will eventually be upgraded to a reliable ecological pillar of domestic renewable energy generation. The association noted that "grid operators have finally reached and exceeded the CHF 0.10/kWh threshold, a price that the Swiss Association of Independent Energy Producers (VESE) has been calling for a breakthrough for a long time."
The Swiss Association of Independent Energy Producers (VESE) points out that this is not entirely voluntary. This is mainly because producers with load curve measurement capabilities can easily switch under current regulations. As a result, they can also sell excess electricity from PV systems on the futures market, where prices currently range between CHF 0.2 and 0.3/kWh.
Grid operators are therefore forced to offset this migration by significantly increasing their revenues. Given the high market prices, they are likely to miss out on the relatively cheap electricity offered by independent producers.
While operators of photovoltaic systems are now benefiting from higher electricity prices, the association has also noted the adverse effects of significantly higher revenues. Prices for electricity consumers will also rise, as grid operators pass on higher costs to consumers.
The Swiss Association of Independent Energy Producers (VESE) supports a mechanism that would ensure long-term financing for PV systems, but not at the expense of electricity customers paying more. This production cost-oriented "fixed model" is complemented by a related, purely market-oriented "flexible model", which is popular among Swiss associations and administrations. The "flexible model" allows grid operators to participate in the free market, but has some advantages and disadvantages.