Autovoltaic-VS

About

Founded in 2019, Autovoltaic-VS is a co-op headquartered in Switzerland with approximately 1-10 employees specializing in Solar.

Autovoltaic-VS is a cooperative society founded in 2019 that promotes photovoltaic solar energy in Valais through self-build installations. Members receive guidance from professional planners and site managers while constructing their own solar installations. The cooperative operates on an hour-exchange principle where members contribute labor to other installations in return for labor on their own roof (50 CHF/hour charge, 2-year compensation window). A typical 10 kWc installation costs 15,000-18,000 CHF before tax deductions and subsidies (approximately 10,000-12,000 CHF net). The model reduces costs compared to turnkey solutions while promoting renewable energy adoption and community engagement. Professional oversight covers electrical work, scaffolding, and roof repairs; members require no prior technical skills. The concept originated with Energiewendegenossenschaft in Bern (2014) and has expanded across Switzerland with over 600 installations and ~10 MW capacity by early 2021.