Short answer
What you need to know first.
For a PV system in Appenzell Ausserrhoden, the Pronovo one-time remuneration is determined first in 2026. The canton may then grant a top-up of up to 50%, capped at CHF 100,000 per project. The cantonal application is admissible only after commissioning and once the final Pronovo decision is legally effective; HEIV systems without self-consumption are excluded.
Important
As of 12 July 2026, the current kM-21 programme requires the application after commissioning and after Pronovo's decision becomes legally effective. The canton has also announced an adjustment from 1 January 2027, which still requires approval by the cantonal parliament. For a specific project, the version in force when the application is submitted is binding; this is not individual incentive or tax advice.
Decision points
What determines the right path.
The support amount follows the Pronovo basis: for systems commissioned from 1 September 2025, the cantonal contribution is capped at 50% of the federal EIV. Commissioning date, capacity, system type and tilt angle therefore matter, not a freely chosen flat amount.
The minimum size is binding: the canton supports grid-connected solar systems from 2 kWp. Replacement, maintenance and repairs do not qualify as a supported new system or extension.
Timing is a hard eligibility condition: the application goes to the Office for the Environment only after commissioning and after the final Pronovo decision is legally effective. Under the cantonal rule, an earlier application is not processed.
Self-consumption changes the support route: systems receiving HEIV under Art. 25 para. 3 EnG are excluded from cantonal support. Before design, it must therefore be clear whether self-consumption is planned or HEIV is chosen.
The legally required minimum system must be separated: where Art. 10a kEnG and Art. 19abis para. 1 kEnV require a minimum size, the canton does not add support to that required part. Only the eligible part under the applicable rules remains supported.
The cap limits larger projects: the cantonal contribution is limited to CHF 100,000 per project. For larger systems, the project calculation must therefore separate Pronovo, cantonal top-up, self-consumption and non-supported components.
Sequence
How the project stays cleanly managed.
- 1
Classify the support caserecord the Appenzell Ausserrhoden location, new system or extension, capacity from 2 kWp, self-consumption, system type and planned commissioning date. At the same time, check whether Art. 10a kEnG requires a minimum system.
- 2
Determine the Pronovo EIVhave the federal contribution assessed using commissioning date, capacity, attached or integrated design and tilt angle. Pronovo's final decision is the basis for the later cantonal application.
- 3
Check exclusions before orderingclarify whether HEIV without self-consumption, a federal auction, a mere replacement or maintenance is involved. These cases are excluded from or not eligible for the cantonal top-up.
- 4
Build and commission the systemcoordinate installation, grid connection, safety certificate and Pronovo registration so that the actual commissioning date and system data are documented.
- 5
Wait for the Pronovo decisiondo not submit the cantonal application with a provisional EIV calculation. Wait for the final assessment until the decision is legally effective.
- 6
Submit the cantonal applicationenter it in the funding portal, print and sign the form, and send it with the legally effective Pronovo decision and required documents to the Office for the Environment.
- 7
Check the paymentkeep the contribution and payment decisions, EIV documents, invoices and system records. If the project differs from the application or eligibility later lapses, the contribution may be adjusted or reclaimed.
Checklist
Questions to settle before the quote.
- Calculate the cantonal top-up and Pronovo EIV separately for systems from 2 kWp
- Secure commissioning and the legally effective Pronovo decision as the application basis
- Distinguish HEIV, mandatory self-generation and extensions before requesting a quote
- Treat the planned 2027 programme change only as a caveat
FAQ
Common questions on this topic.
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.