Background
#The Neuchâtel incentive for large PV roofs is CHF 11,000 per system when output is above 90 kWc and the SENE conditions are met.
In the standard case, the system is installed on a building in the canton, receives a positive Pronovo decision first and is then settled with SENE. The cantonal application is filed only after the work has been completed and paid, and the complete dossier must reach SENE no later than six months after the Pronovo decision. Several roofs may be combined when the entire system uses the same grid connection point; ground-mounted systems are excluded.
The exact 90 kWc boundary matters because the current overview page says “90 kWc”, while RSN 740.12 and the SENE conditions require “above 90 kWc”.
What counts for funding
#Output is the first decision point: Art. 2 and Art. 5 ASPV (RSN 740.12) require peak output above 90 kWc. A project at exactly 90 kWc should therefore not be budgeted as eligible without written clarification from SENE.
The incentive is limited to defined applicants: Art. 3 ASPV names individuals, legal entities, autonomous public-law institutions, municipalities, groups of municipalities and solar cooperatives. Art. 2 para. 2 let. b excludes systems owned by the Canton of Neuchatel or the Confederation.
The location limits the incentive route: Art. 2 ASPV requires the system to be installed on the roof of a building in the Canton of Neuchâtel; a ground-mounted system is not eligible. The building, roof area and cantonal jurisdiction therefore belong in the first project review.
The Pronovo decision is a cumulative requirement: Art. 5 ASPV requires federal support, and Art. 10 ASPV sets the filing deadline at six months after the positive Pronovo decision. Without this evidence or with a late application, the cantonal entitlement expires.
The payment point distinguishes this incentive from a pre-construction application: section 1.6 of the SENE conditions requires filing after the work has been completed and paid. The quote should therefore allow for proof of final payment and the later Pronovo decision in one document plan.
Dossier completeness affects processing: Art. 8 ASPV handles complete applications in order of receipt; when documents are missing, section 1.8 of the SENE conditions first allows three months and then another three-month additional period. The form and Pronovo decision should therefore be submitted together.
The process in six steps
#Tick off for your project
Classify the incentive case
using RSN 740.12, check that the roof system is legally above 90 kWc, is located on a building in the canton and is not ground-mounted. For several roofs, the same grid connection point must be demonstrated for the entire system.
Pre-check building law and the grid
Art. 6 ASPV states that solar systems must be notified or authorised under Neuchâtel building law. Clarify the roof documents, procedure, grid connection point and metering concept with the municipality and grid operator before fixing the quote.
Prepare the project and Pronovo documents
define system output, building and roof data, grid connection and the intended incentive route. Federal support through Pronovo is not optional for the cantonal contribution; its later positive decision must be attached to the SENE application.
Complete and pay for the system
the SENE conditions require the application after the work has been completed and paid. Keep the final invoice, proof of payment, commissioning data and technical project version consistent with the Pronovo dossier.
Wait for and document the Pronovo decision
after grid connection, complete the federal incentive process; Pronovo’s positive decision is the central attachment for the cantonal application. For a Pronovo auction incentive, the SENE conditions instead use the activation date for guarantees of origin.
File the PVGT application with SENE
complete the form and send it with the Pronovo decision to SENE within six months. The form asks, among other items, for the site, EGID, cadastral parcel, construction year, system type, commissioning date, output and Pronovo number.
Checked for your roof, not just read up on
Once the framing is clear, a property-specific check with roof, grid and documentation is worthwhile.
Frequently asked questions
#Sources
#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.