NZZ am Sonntag: Balcony solar is booming – and what about Switzerland?
On February 22, 2026, the Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ am Sonntag) published a widely discussed article by Andreas Frey entitled:
A power plant on the balcony. Millions of Germans produce their own electricity. Why don't the Swiss do the same?
The article gets straight to the point:
While millions of so-called plug-in solar devices have long been part of everyday life in Germany, the potential in Switzerland remains largely untapped, even though technology, economic viability and energy needs clearly support it.

Germany is leading the way
The article demonstrates:
- Millions of balcony solar devices are installed in Germany.
- The systems are easy to install, cost-effective, and efficient.
- Even in winter, they generate valuable self-generated electricity.
- In Switzerland, performance limits are lower.
- The potential is enormous given rising electricity prices.
The central question is:
Why doesn't Switzerland use this simple solution more consistently?

This is exactly where HEPA Solar comes in.
We are among the first providers in Switzerland to actively promote balcony power plants and make them marketable.
HEPA solar balcony power plants
Developed for Swiss households, Swiss regulations and Swiss electricity prices.
Our mission is clear:
Making energy independence as easy as plugging in a household appliance.
HEPA Solar
The solution to the problem mentioned
The article mainly describes three hurdles.

Lack of information and education
Many people don't know:
- how uncomplicated the installation is,
- how quickly the investment pays off,
- and that rental apartments can also benefit.
Our solution:
- Plug and Play.
- Installation on the balcony, on the terrace or on the facade.
- Ready for operation within a short time.

Uncertainty regarding regulation and registration
Many people are asking themselves:
- Can I just plug this in?
- Do I have to report it?
- What level of performance is permitted?
Our solution:
HEPA balcony power plants are precisely tailored to Swiss regulations.
We provide clear information on how to register with the network operator and show step by step how easy the process is.

Economic efficiency and storage capacity are underestimated.
A balcony power plant produces several hundred kilowatt hours of electricity annually directly where it is consumed.
That means:
- Reduction of electricity bills
- Increased self-consumption
- Protection against rising energy prices
- Contribution to relief in winter
And one important point:
Suitable battery storage systems are already available to store excess electricity and will soon be available in our region as well. This allows electricity produced during the day to be used in the evening. This significantly increases self-consumption and further improves cost-effectiveness.

What HEPA Solar specifically offers
- Systems adapted to Swiss network conditions
- High-quality components with a long service life
- High efficiency even with less than ideal orientation
- Transparent information instead of technical jargon
CONCLUSION
From discussed potential to concrete implementation
Andreas Frey's article in the Neue Zürcher Zeitung asks the right question:
Why is Switzerland not yet consistently utilizing the enormous potential of balcony solar?
The technology is available. It is economically viable. The regulatory framework is clearly defined.
And suitable storage solutions are already available or are about to be launched on the market.
What's needed now is implementation.
Not sometime in the future. But now. With HEPA Solar, we are bringing exactly this solution to Swiss households.
Easy to understand. Technically sophisticated. And ready to use immediately.
Every balcony can be part of the solution. Every apartment can produce electricity. Every household can become more independent.
The question is no longer whether it works.
But who starts.








