Support Schemes

This page includes information on all the currently available national support schemes and financial instruments for Solar Thermal taking into account the Solar Keymark certification, across Europe and globally. 

This page is in course of update. More countries will be featured. 

SWITZERLAND

Switzerland offers a variety of support schemes and tax incentives for solar thermal applications. all based on a valid Solar Keymark-certificate. These incentives are available at both national and cantonal levels, aiming to promote the adoption of renewable energy technologies.

1.) Cantonal Subsidies for Domestic Solar Thermal Systems

Most cantons provide financial incentives for solar thermal installations for domestic use. These subsidies require the solar thermal collectors to be Solar Keymark-certified and listed in the official list of eligible collectors (www.kollektorliste.ch).

  • -Eligibility: Private individuals installing new systems or extending existing ones on existing buildings.
  • -Certification: Solar Keymark certification and inclusion in kollektorliste.ch are mandatory.
  • -Minimum System Size: Generally, a minimum of 2 kW nominal thermal power is required. The nominal power of a collector is calculated based on the Solar Keymark datasheet. 2kW correspond to approximately 4 m2 of collectors.
  • -Subsidy Amount: Varies by canton; the general subsidy key is CHF 1,200 + CHF 500 per kW of nominal thermal power. Many cantons have distinctly higher subsidies.
  • -Tax Deductions: Investment costs for solar thermal systems are typically tax-deductible.

For detailed information on cantonal subsidies, you can consult the Energiefranken website.

2.) National Support Scheme for Solar thermal for process heat:  Starting on 1. January 2025 and upon initiative of the Swiss Federal office of Energy (SFOE), Switzerland has established a specific subsidy scheme for process heat:

The details and requirements are defined in https://www.bfe.admin.ch/bfe/en/home/promotion/decarbonation/solar-heat-for-industrial-processes.html

  • Eligibility: All kind of process heat installations. The scope is quite open.
  • Certification: Solar Keymark certification and inclusion in kollektorliste.ch are mandatory.
  • Minimum System Size: A minimum of 20 kW nominal thermal power is required. The nominal power of a collector is calculated based on the Solar Keymark datasheet. 20 kW correspond to approximately 40 m2 of collectors.
  • Subsidy Amount: Varies by canton; the general subsidy key is CHF 2400 + CHF 1000 per kW of nominal thermal power.

3.) Support Scheme for big solar thermal systems: Starting on 1. January 2025 and upon initiative of the Swiss Federal office of Energy (SFOE), Switzerland has established also a specific subsidy scheme for large solar thermal systems. The management of the subsidies is done by the cantons.

The details and requirements are defined in the cantonal legislations found under www.kollektrliste.ch (usually not in English)

  • -Eligibility: Solar thermal systems to replace direct electric heating and/or fossil fuel/gas heating.
  • -Certification: Solar Keymark certification and inclusion in kollektorliste.ch are mandatory.
  • -Minimum System Size: A minimum of 70 kW nominal thermal power is required. The nominal power of a collector is calculated based on the Solar Keymark datasheet. 70 kW correspond to approximately 140 m2 of collectors.
  • -Subsidy Amount: Varies by canton; the general subsidy key is CHF 2,400 + CHF 1’000 per kW of nominal thermal power.

4.) Tax Incentives
In addition to subsidies, investment costs for solar thermal systems are generally tax-deductible in Switzerland. This applies to both private individuals and businesses, reducing the overall cost of installing such systems.

5.) Certification and Compliance
To qualify all for these support schemes, solar thermal systems must meet certain criteria:

  • -Solar Keymark Certification: A voluntary, independent certification mark for solar thermal products, confirming compliance with European standards.
  • -Inclusion in Collector List: The system must be listed in the official Swiss collector list (kollektorliste.ch). Apart from a valid Solar Keymark certificate, the original test reports from an accredited testing laboratory have to be submitted and the collector testing must have been performed under Climate class A (very sunny).
  • -Building insurances: There are additional requirements based on the national building codes (SIA 261), mainly for hail and snow load resistance. The requirements are depending on the region and are basically driven by the building insurances.

In case of any questions the Swiss competence center for solar thermal energy can be contacted under spf-testing@ost.ch

GERMANY

The funding of renewable energies, including solar thermal energy, is a central component of the German energy transition. The Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA) and the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) are the main sponsors of the funding programs at federal level. These programs are embedded in the Federal Subsidy for Efficient Buildings (BEG).

The BEG distinguishes between:
-BEG Individual Measures (BEG EM): This includes funding for specific modernization measures on existing buildings, such as the installation of a solar thermal system. Since 2024, the KfW has been primarily responsible for subsidizing the replacement of heating systems, while the BAFA may continue to be responsible for other efficiency measures (e.g. heating optimization).
-BEG residential buildings (BEG WG) and non-residential buildings (BEG NWG): These programs support the construction of new efficiency houses/buildings or comprehensive refurbishment to an efficiency house/building standard. Solar thermal systems can be funded here as part of the overall concept for achieving a certain efficiency standard.

Funding for existing buildings (renovation)
Funding for solar thermal systems in existing buildings is generally more attractive and more directly accessible than in new builds. The logic behind this is that older, less efficient heating systems are often replaced here and thus a greater contribution to CO2 reduction can be made.

-Type of funding: As a rule, this involves subsidies towards the investment costs (purchase and installation of the system, any necessary surrounding measures such as storage tanks, control technology, heat meters and hydraulic balancing).

-Conditions (examples):

    1. The system must be used to heat water and/or support the heating system.
    2. Certified collectors (e.g. with the “Solar Keymark” label) must be used.
    3. A minimum collector yield or a minimum system size is often prescribed.
    4. The installation of a heat meter and hydraulic balancing are often mandatory.
    5. The subsidy can be linked to the replacement of an old fossil heating system, which often leads to higher subsidy rates (e.g. climate speed bonus).

-Responsibility: Since the beginning of 2024, the KfW has been responsible for replacing heating systems, which also includes the installation of a solar thermal system as a primary or supplementary heating system, with the program “Heating subsidies for private individuals – residential buildings” (program number 458 for grants) and the supplementary loan program (358/359). Companies may also be eligible to apply.

-Funding amount: The basic funding for solar thermal systems as part of a heating system replacement can amount to 30% of the eligible costs, for example. Various bonuses (e.g. for the rapid replacement of old fossil fuel heating systems) can increase the funding rate, often up to a maximum cap (e.g. 70%). The eligible costs are generally limited per residential unit or per square meter of net floor area for non-residential buildings.

Funding for new buildings
In new buildings, direct funding for individual solar thermal systems is less common or subject to stricter conditions. The reason for this is that new buildings have to meet stricter legal requirements for energy efficiency anyway (Building Energy Act – GEG). The GEG already stipulates a minimum proportion of renewable energies for the heat supply (e.g. the 65% rule for new heating systems).

  • Type of funding:
    • Indirect promotion: Solar thermal energy can be part of an overall concept to achieve a certain efficiency house standard (e.g. Efficiency House 40) as part of the BEG WG or BEG NWG. Here, the KfW promotes the new construction (or initial purchase) of such energy-efficient buildings with low-interest loans and repayment subsidies. The solar thermal system itself is then a building block for achieving this standard and is not funded separately, but as part of the overall construction costs.
    • Innovation funding (less often for standard systems): In some cases, there have been special innovation grants for particularly innovative or large solar thermal systems in new builds, often focusing on apartment buildings or non-residential buildings. The conditions for this are very specific and must be obtained from BAFA or KfW.
  • Conditions (examples of direct funding, if available):
    • Often higher requirements for system size and solar coverage ratio than for existing buildings.
    • Sometimes only for buildings with a certain number of residential units or more or for non-residential buildings.
    • Proof of compliance with the Efficiency House standard may be required.
  • Responsibility: KfW is responsible for Efficiency House funding for new builds (loans and repayment grants) (e.g. programs such as “Climate-friendly new build”).

Central sources of information:
-Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA): The BAFA is a central point of contact for information on the BEG and specific funding details, even if responsibility for grants for heating replacement has changed to KfW.
Website: www.bafa.de

-Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW): KfW handles the grant funding for heating system replacements as well as the loan programs for efficiency houses and individual measures.
Website for private individuals (heating subsidies): www.kfw.de/458 (as an example, check the relevant programs for companies)
Website for companies and public institutions:www.kfw.de/inlandsfoerderung/Unternehmen/ (search here for BEG or energy efficiency)

SPAIN

Spain offers several support schemes and tax incentives for solar thermal installations, many of which accept Solar Keymark-certified systems. These incentives are available at national, regional, and local levels.

National Support Scheme : Certificados de Ahorro Energético (CAE)
Introduced in November 2023, the CAE system allows companies with energy-saving obligations to purchase certificates from entities that implement energy efficiency measures, including solar thermal installations. Solar thermal systems are eligible under this scheme, and revenues from selling CAEs can cover approximately 20% of the investment costs. The system is technology-neutral and accepts Solar Keymark-certified systems.

Many municipalities in Spain provide tax incentives for solar thermal installations:
-Property Tax (IBI) Rebates: Reductions of up to 50% for a period ranging from 3 to 30 years, depending on the municipality.
-Construction, Installations, and Works Tax (ICIO) Reductions: One-time tax reductions of up to 95%, varying by locality.

Sources (to know more):
ASIT (Asociación Solar de la Industria Térmica)
IDAE (Instituto para la Diversificación y Ahorro de la Energía)
ADHAC (Asociación de Empresas de Redes de Calor y Frío)

GREECE

Support Schemes for Solar Thermal Applications in Greece

  1. A solar thermal support scheme takes place in Greece concerning the solar thermosiphon system recycling which provides subsidies based on applicant’s income criteria starting from 2025 (second cycle) which will last in accordance with the relevant budget. This support scheme requires valid Solar Keymark certificates either for solar collectors or for solar systems.
  2. National Programme for Energy Efficiency (Εξοικονομώ – Αυτονομώ)
    -This programme provides financial incentives for energy-saving interventions in residential buildings, including the installation of solar thermal systems.
    -The programme covers a significant portion of the costs for purchasing and installing solar thermal systems that have the Solar Keymark certification.
    -More information can be found on the official website of the Ministry of Environment and Energy.
  1. Development Law 4399/2016
    This law offers subsidies, tax exemptions, and other incentives for investments in renewable energy projects, including solar thermal systems. Businesses investing in solar thermal technologies can benefit from these incentives if their systems are certified with the Solar Keymark. Details are available on the Invest in Greece Agency.
  2. Net Metering Scheme
    Although primarily focused on photovoltaic systems, the net metering scheme can also apply to combined systems where solar thermal is part of a broader energy solution. This scheme allows for the offsetting of energy produced by renewable sources against the energy consumed, providing financial benefits to users. It is in the laws that net metering is possible from 2014, but since 2024 it has been phasing out in favour of net-billing.
  1. Changing the heating system and water heater (“Αλλάζω Σύστημα Θέρμανσης και Θερμοσίφωνα”- Cycle 2 of a previous subsidy called Recycle- renew water heater)
    -Programme to replace and recycle electric water heaters with solar water heaters.
    -It subsidies: the purchase of a new solar water heater system; The purchase of a new heat pump heating system (including the external unit, fan coil, piping).
    -The cost of performing necessary additional installation work for eligible equipment (e.g. transportation costs, installation costs, consumables, accessories, smart system (timer) etc.)
    -Requirements: Solar Keymark certification is a must.

CYPRUS

Residential Solar Water Heating Systems
The RES and Energy Conservation Fund offers grants for the installation or replacement of solar water heating systems in existing dwellings. Eligible investments include:

-CATEGORY H1: Installation of integrated solar water heating systems (tank + collectors) with Solar Keymark-certified collectors.

-CATEGORY H2: Installation of solar water heating systems in vulnerable households.​

The grant amounts vary based on the category and specific conditions (e.g. mountainous areas). For detailed information and application procedures, please refer to the official RES and Energy Conservation Fund website.​

Eligibility Criteria for Solar Thermal Systems
To qualify for these aids, the solar thermal equipment must meet certain technical standards and pre-approved by the Management Committee of the Renewable Energy Sources and Energy Conservation Fund. These technical standards are:​

-Certification for Solar Panels: The solar thermal collectors must have a Solar Keymark certification.​

-Hot Water Storage Tanks: The following conditions apply:

  1. If the HOT WATER STORAGE TANK has a capacity of up to 200Lt (according to the data on its energy label), it must be ENERGY CLASS B or higher (according to Delegated Regulation (EU) 812/2013).
  2. If the HOT WATER STORAGE TANK has a capacity of more than 200Lt (according to the data on its energy label), it must be ENERGY CLASS C or higher (according to Delegated Regulation (EU) 812/2013).
  3. The HOT WATER STORAGE TANK must be CE certified, in accordance with the requirements of COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) No. 814/2013 of 2 August 2013 implementing Directive 2009/125/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to Ecodesign requirements for water heaters and hot water storage tanks.
  4. The equipment to be purchased/installed must be brand new.

Important Notes

-Every company that wants to participate to the Grant Scheme must employ installers that are certified and registered to the Ministry of Energy, Commerce & Industry Solar Thermal Installers Registry.

-The installers must register to the Participating Installers Registry of the RES and Energy Conservation Fund so they can participate to the Grant Scheme.

-Every Participating Installer must undertake various obligations as a condition of their participation to the Scheme. One of these obligations is to provide to their customers/applicants guarantee of at least seven (7) years) from the date of installation (more info about the Participating Installers obligations can be found here)

PORTUGAL

No specific support schemes have been identified to promote solar thermal in Portugal. The country’s building legislation includes requirements such as the Solar Keymark, national certification and energy labelling for water and space heaters. A reduced VAT rate of 6% applies to the sale and installation of renewable energy equipment, including solar thermal, until 30 June 2025.

CHINA

Certification Requirements：

Mandatory certification (CCC): Solar thermal products with electrical heater sold in China require CCC certification based on CNCA-C07-01:2024.
More information here: https://www.cqc.com.cn/www/english/c/2023-09-14/595782.shtml

Voluntary certification (CQC): Solar collector and Solar only water heater, the certification procedure refer to CNCA-CGP-05:2021, CQC11-448331-2018 and CQC11-448312-2022.  More information here: https://www.cqc.com.cn/www/english/c/2023-09-21/595846.shtml

Note: Solar Keymark test reports (e.g. EN 12975/EN 12976) cannot substitute CQC testing; separate certifications are required for export vs. domestic markets.