Short answer
Which Pronovo categories are relevant for PV systems in Canton Aargau?
Helps owners in Canton Aargau to correctly assess the Pronovo framework, the AEW compensation models and the new Aargau tax rules from 2026 before PV planning.
Important
The new tax rules from 2026, net principle and exemption threshold at 10,000 kWh feed-in per year, apply specifically to Canton Aargau and should always be verified directly with the tax authority or a specialist for the specific project. Pronovo is the authoritative primary source for funding categories, application route and current calculation logic. AEW is the responsible party for the compensation model, grid registration and HKN process in most of the canton.
At a glance
Key figures: Pronovo, AEW & tax rules Aargau
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Funding route | Pronovo one-time payment (EIV), federal funding |
| Pronovo categories | KLEIV under 100 kW, GREIV from 100 kW, HEIV without self-consumption |
| Grid operator | AEW Energie AG for large parts of the canton |
| AEW compensation 2026 | Fixed 8.2 Rp./kWh with HKN or reference market price without HKN |
| Tax from 2026 | Net principle; feed-in up to 10,000 kWh/year tax-free |
Decision points
What determines the right path.
The funding category at Pronovo is the first and most important classification step. KLEIV applies to systems below 100 kW and is the likely category for most residential properties in Canton Aargau. Anyone planning larger commercial or multi-family projects should check early whether GREIV applies instead.
AEW Energie AG is the central grid operator for large parts of Canton Aargau. The compensation model, fixed price with HKN (8.2 ct./kWh for 2026) or reference market price without HKN transfer, must be chosen early, as the model choice applies for the entire year and renews automatically.
As of 1 January 2026, Canton Aargau has introduced the net principle for the tax treatment of feed-in compensation. For producers, this principle is generally more advantageous than the previously applicable gross principle. This change affects both new and existing installations from tax period 2026 onwards.
Also from 2026 in Canton Aargau: small, non-commercial installations with an annual feed-in of up to 10,000 kilowatt-hours are fully exempt from taxation. For many homeowners with typical roof systems, this exemption threshold can be directly relevant.
The funding process and the grid process do not automatically run in the same rhythm. The Pronovo application, the AEW registration and the tax classification touch on different documents, deadlines and responsibilities. Anyone who coordinates these three threads early avoids inconsistencies between quote, commissioning documentation and tax return.
Consistent project data is the biggest practical source of errors. Capacity figures, system type, self-consumption logic and location details should match across the quote, Pronovo documentation and AEW registration. Discrepancies lead to queries and can delay payments.
Sequence
How the project stays cleanly managed.
- 1
Start by determining the Pronovo funding categoryKLEIV for systems below 100 kW, GREIV for systems from 100 kW, HEIV for systems without self-consumption between 2 kW and 149.99 kW. This classification shapes all subsequent steps and must come at the very beginning.
- 2
In parallel, clarify the responsible grid operator. AEW Energie AG is responsible in large parts of Canton Aargau. The feed-in compensation model, fixed price (including HKN transfer) or reference market price (without HKN transfer), should be decided early, as the product choice applies for the entire calendar year.
- 3
Clarify the tax classification before commissioningdoes the new exemption threshold of 10,000 kWh/year apply to the planned system? If expected feed-in is below this, the taxation of feed-in compensation is fully waived from 2026 in Canton Aargau. If above, the new net principle applies.
- 4
Record technical project data consistentlydocument capacity, system type, self-consumption logic and location so that Pronovo documentation, AEW registration and later commissioning evidence remain free of contradictions.
- 5
Check the current Pronovo materials before filingthe application assistant, photovoltaic guideline and funding calculator on pronovo.ch define the currently valid framework. Especially for special cases, system changes or bonus questions, always work with the current Pronovo status.
- 6
Deliberately coordinate the AEW registration and the Pronovo application: grid topics such as metering concept, technical approvals and HKN standing order run at the grid operator level, while Pronovo governs the funding category and investment contribution. The earlier these two threads are coordinated, the smoother the commissioning process.
Checklist
Questions to settle before the quote.
- KLEIV, GREIV or HEIV: which Pronovo funding category applies for a PV project in Canton Aargau, and why the classification must come first
- AEW feed-in compensation 2026: fixed price with HKN or reference market price, what the difference is and when the model choice must be made
- New AG tax rules from 2026: net principle for feed-in compensation and tax exemption for small producers up to 10,000 kWh per year
FAQ
More questions: Pronovo, AEW & tax rules Aargau
Sources
Official sources & references.
The responsible authorities are decisive. Always verify binding details – amounts, deadlines and conditions – for your specific property against the current status of the respective authority.