Ordinance on the Energy Act concerning State Contributions (EnGVB) - Principle (EnGVB)

1. No legal entitlement exists for benefits under this regulation. Benefits can only be granted within the scope of the global budgets approved by the Cantonal Council according to § 19 paragraph 1 letter b of the Cantonal Energy Act of March 3, 1991 (EnGSO).

2. The governmental benefits may consist of investment contributions, interest-free loans, as well as operational contributions.

3. Measures that are already funded by federal programs in the energy and climate sectors are not eligible for contributions, except for contributions under § 2 paragraph 1ter. The department may authorize further exceptions. Double funding within the framework of cantonal funding programs is excluded. Accumulation with contributions from third parties (municipalities, electricity suppliers, etc.) is permissible. Bonus programs to create additional incentives are possible, especially for promoting particularly advantageous combinations such as solar thermal energy plus complementary wood heating.

4. The canton may make its benefits dependent on contributions from third parties.

5. No contributions are granted for

a)* Measures that are legally mandated;

b)* The construction and operation of luxury goods (e.g., swimming pools, etc.);

c) Projects according to § 6 paragraph 2 that are economically viable.

1. Contributions under the Energy Act of the Canton of Solothurn of March 3, 1991 (EnGSO) may be granted for program promotion, individual project support, and for measures with indirect promotional effects.

a)*

b)*

c)*

d)*

e)*

f)*

g)*

h)*

i)*

k)*

1bis

Program promotion means promotion through certification or investment contributions for

a) particularly energy-efficient new buildings;

b) projects for the energy improvement of the building envelope and particularly energy-efficient comprehensive renovations;

c) projects for the conversion of technical building systems to the use of renewable energies;

d) district heating from renewable energies or waste heat.

1ter

Individual product support particularly applies to

a) projects for the use of waste heat;

b) projects serving the testing and evaluation of new energy technologies;

c) demonstration plants;

d) special projects in terms of energy efficiency or renewable energies;

e) contributions for the development of evaluation/certification instruments.

1quater

Indirect promotion involves

a) the organization or participation in events, information, consulting, and advisory centers, education and training;

b) projects and measures that complementarily support the implementation of cantonal energy policy.

2. The awarding of contributions may be associated with a performance agreement. The conclusion thereof is the responsibility of the Department.

1. For energy-efficient constructions and renovations, as well as for conversions from environmentally problematic heating systems to thermal solar systems, wood-fired heating, heat pumps, and connections to district heating networks, the subsidy rates according to Appendix I shall apply.

2. In the event of an extension of the deadline pursuant to § 9 paragraph 4, the current subsidy rates and conditions will be applied.

3. No contributions will be made for the installation of systems in buildings with above-average energy consumption (electricity and heat).

4. Contributions pursuant to § 2 may not exceed 60 percent of the total expenses, accounting for contributions from the federal government and third parties according to § 1 paragraph 3.

1. Loans are granted only in exceptional cases.

2. Loans are granted on a case-by-case basis up to a maximum amount of 500,000 Swiss Francs. The duration is limited to a maximum of 10 years.

3. Loans must be amortized appropriately, generally in a linear manner.

1. The department decides on contributions under 100,000 francs.

1. Applications for funding contributions must be submitted to the Energy Department along with all necessary documentation for review prior to the commencement of a project. Applications submitted after the project has already begun will not be considered.

2. For funding contributions exceeding 50,000 Swiss Francs, a cost-effectiveness analysis must be attached to the application documents. For lesser funding contributions, the Energy Department may request such an analysis.

3. Under special circumstances, the Energy Department can approve the early initiation of a project upon request. However, early approval does not confer any right to grant allocation.

4. Applicants must provide the Energy Department with all required information, grant access to relevant documents, and allow site inspections.

1. In the event of deviations from the project submission upon which the contribution commitment is based, the contribution will be adjusted. A reduction of the contribution will be made in accordance with the extent of the actual project realization. An increase in the contribution, however, will only be granted up to a maximum of 10 percent.

1. Disbursement of Contributions According to Section 2 generally occurs to the property owner or to a person authorized by them.

2. Contributions are disbursed based on complete and orderly accounting documents after the completion of the work. The completion of the work must be confirmed in writing by the applicants.

3. Upon request, the energy office may make partial payments corresponding to the progress of the project.

1. Unpaid contributions lapse and already paid contributions are reclaimed,

a)* if the complete accounting documents are not submitted within 24 months of the grant commitment. Different contractual agreements remain reserved.

b) if the project is not or not fully realized;

c) if a facility/component is abandoned or repurposed within ten years;

d) if contributions were unjustly made;

e) if conditions and requirements are not complied with.

2. The reclamation of contributions must be asserted within 12 months from the awareness of the forfeiture reason. Otherwise, the statutes of limitations as per the Swiss Code of Obligations apply.

3. In special cases, for example with pilot plants that do not meet expectations, it may be possible to waive the reclamation in whole or in part.

4. The Energy Office may extend the period mentioned in paragraph 1 letter a in justified cases and upon request.

1. For applications submitted before January 1, 2025, but for which no binding grant commitment has been made, the old law applies.