Context and Objective

The project promoted by ECSA Energy involved the installation of four photovoltaic systems on the roofs of the four service stations located in Romandy, specifically in Marly, Martigny, Meyrin, and Petit-Lancy. The goal is to increase energy self-consumption, reduce CO₂ emissions, and enhance renewable resources. Thanks to the geography and solar irradiation of the region, this initiative seeks to optimize production and sustainability.

Technical and Energy Aspects

• Installed capacity: Each system has a capacity between 50 kWp and 100 kWp (according to standards compatible with “small” or “medium” plants), making use of roofs and canopies.
• Estimated production: With an estimated output of 100–200 MWh/year per plant (based on similar projects), a significant share of own consumption can be covered, particularly for lighting, fuel pumps, service shops, and internal automated systems.

Partners and Suppliers

• Solaralliance: Solar Alliance AG is a Swiss company based in the Canton of Zurich, active in the design, construction, and management of large-scale photovoltaic plants. Founded in 2015, it has established itself thanks to an integrated approach and consolidated practical experience. Since 2025, it has been part of the TSG Group, which allows it to offer more comprehensive solutions and expand into new geographic and business areas. www.solaralliance.ch

Incentives and Financial Support

• At the federal level, a contribution is available through the One-Off Remuneration (RU): up to 30% of investment costs for self-consumption systems (small) and up to 60% for those without self-consumption.
• In addition, cantonal and municipal incentives (e.g., FER) can cover 30–50% of the federal contribution, depending on location.

Indicative Timeline and Project Steps

• The project took shape in August 2024 with a preliminary analysis, where offers from various suppliers from Ticino and beyond were collected. The final partner selection took place around February 2025, leading to installation.
• Request for incentives and obtaining the One-Off Remuneration: federal contributions are paid about 3–4 months after commissioning or after submitting the complete application to SwissEnergy.
• Construction and final commissioning lasted 3 months, and the plants started producing energy in mid-May 2025. Monitoring and maintenance are handled directly by Solaralliance, which will notify us in case of any malfunction.

Project Structure

1. Preliminary analysis: inspection of stations to verify available surfaces, inclinations, and orientation. Preparation of the technical project and business case (ROI).
2. Partner selection: the selection was made among various suppliers with proven experience, taking into account turnkey offers, contracting solutions, tender support, maintenance, and storage.
3. Request for incentives: via Pronovo (RU/RUG), with possible additional requests at cantonal and municipal levels. Incentives may be obtained within a few months of the final phase.
4. Construction and commissioning: installation of systems at four stations; technical checks, testing, connection, and commissioning.
5. Monitoring and maintenance: management of self-consumption, energy data, production, ordinary maintenance, and performance guarantee.

Expected Benefits & Budget

• Reduction of CO₂ emissions thanks to renewable energy at the stations.
• Economic savings on energy costs, with a return on investment expected in 5–7 years when considering self-consumption and incentives (generic figure, to be confirmed with specific calculation).
• Sustainable image for the station network, environmental value, and alignment with national and cantonal energy policies.