E. Vauclair SA
2504 Biel/Bienne · about 2.7 km
Operating in Biel/Bienne since 1948, E. Vauclair SA provides plumbing, heating and solar installations, architectural sheet metalwork, roofing and flat roof renovation.
vauclair.chSolar water heating · Biel/Bienne
Solar water heating in Biel/Bienne: Complete guide
Are you planning to install solar water heating in Biel/Bienne? This sustainable technology allows you to produce domestic hot water efficiently using solar radiation. Although every project is unique, understanding the technical basics and financing opportunities is essential before starting. In this guide, we explore the benefits of solar thermal energy and the key steps for a successful project. To get a precise cost estimate for your home, use the free RenoIndex estimator today for a clear price range.
At a glance
- Typical budget
- CHF 11'800 – CHF 27'400
- Midpoint
- CHF 19'000
- Grants found
- 0
- Nearby companies
- 4
Worked examples in Biel/Bienne
Small project
CHF 9'200 – CHF 21'500
Typical project
CHF 11'800 – CHF 27'400
Large project
CHF 16'200 – CHF 37'300
| Project | Quantity | Low | High | Per unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small project | 3 m² | CHF 9'200 | CHF 21'500 | CHF 5'000 |
| Typical project | 6 m² | CHF 11'800 | CHF 27'400 | CHF 3'200 |
| Large project | 11 m² | CHF 16'200 | CHF 37'300 | CHF 2'300 |
Computed with our estimator for Biel/Bienne (regional factor included), standard finish. Only the project size changes.
Cost split (typical project)
- Labour : CHF 7'600 (40 %)
- Materials : CHF 9'500 (50 %)
- Other costs : CHF 1'900 (10 %)
What the price covers
Included
- Supply and installation
- VAT
- Collectors, controls, standard connection and tank according to answers
Not included
- Permits and architect fees
- Unexpected structural issues
- Possible subsidies
- Roof refurbishment and replacement of main heating
Biel/Bienne's housing stock in figures
In Biel/Bienne, the federal building register lists 6'314 residential buildings and 31'200 dwellings. These municipal benchmarks help put your home in context, but do not replace an individual assessment.
Age of residential buildings
80 % built before 1980
- Before 191919 %
- 1919–194528 %
- 1946–196021 %
- 1961–19708 %
- 1971–19804 %
- 1981–19905 %
- 1991–20006 %
- 2001–20105 %
- Since 20114 %
Construction year does not reveal past renovations: check the current insulation condition.
Main heating energy
58 % · Gas
- Gas58 %
- Heating oil25 %
- Heat pump10 %
- District heating4 %
- Wood2 %
- Electricity1 %
This distribution describes recorded buildings, not your system's consumption or efficiency.
Heating and hot water: which energies?
| Energy | Heating | Hot water |
|---|---|---|
| Gas | 58 % | 44.6 % |
| Heating oil | 25 % | 18.8 % |
| District heating | 4 % | 3.3 % |
| Heat pump | 10 % | 6.7 % |
| Electricity | 1 % | 23.6 % |
| Wood | 2 % | 1.1 % |
| Solar thermal | 0 % | 1.4 % |
Each line gives the share of buildings using that energy, separately for heating and for hot water. The two columns do not always reach 100%: some buildings combine two systems, or reported none.
Type of heating system
- Boiler (unspecified)45.7 %
- Standard boiler24.4 %
- Condensing boiler14.8 %
- Heat pump10.3 %
- Heat exchanger (district)3.7 %
- Central electric heating0.7 %
A standard non-condensing boiler is usually older and less efficient.
Houses or apartment buildings?
- Single-family houses31.8 %
- Two-dwelling houses8.7 %
- Apartment buildings (3+)59.5 %
16.6 % of buildings mix housing with shops or offices.
The typical building
- storeys (median)
- 3
- median footprint
- 132 m²
- median dwelling area
- 75 m²
Renovations, heritage and volumes
For renovation projects in Biel, official building register figures highlight that nine buildings are under heritage protection, necessitating early consultation with municipal authorities for permit requirements. Regarding building volume, data coverage is currently very limited, with only four buildings measured according to SIA 416 standards out of 2011 units, showing a median volume of 683.5 m3. Because this data is highly partial, homeowners must conduct their own professional site measurements. Accurate volume assessments remain crucial for planning the appropriate scale of your heating and insulation upgrades to ensure your renovation project meets all technical and regulatory standards.
9
buildings flagged as protected
status known for 54 of 6'314 buildings; check with the municipality
683.5 m³
median house volume (SIA 416)
measured for 4 of 2'011 houses
Source : OFS — RegBL (export communal complet). Existing residential buildings; percentages of recorded values.
How solar water heating works
The system captures solar energy via panels installed on your roof. A heat transfer fluid then circulates to a storage tank. Solar thermal collectors usually cover much of summer hot water, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
In winter, efficiency decreases, requiring supplementary heating. Proper sizing is critical to optimize overall performance.
For a reliable budget estimate, we recommend using the RenoIndex simulator, which will provide you with a price range tailored to your specific situation and property.
Integration with other systems
Optimizing your home energy performance often requires a combined approach. Combining collectors with a heat pump needs a sizing study to ensure systems work together perfectly. This synergy ensures stable hot water production throughout the year.
It is highly recommended to hire a professional to verify technical feasibility on your property.
Visit the RenoIndex website to get an installation cost estimate and better plan your energy investment in Biel with accurate, up-to-date data for your renovation project.
Grants and financial incentives
These grants significantly reduce the initial project cost. For a clear view of your net expenses, use the RenoIndex simulator, which simplifies renovation cost calculations and helps you budget for your energy upgrades with confidence and accuracy.
Why choose solar energy?
Investing in solar thermal energy is a smart choice for both property value and the environment. By reducing your monthly energy bills, you gain independence from price fluctuations. In Biel, favorable solar conditions allow for efficient energy harvesting.
To evaluate your return on investment, it is essential to estimate installation and maintenance costs accurately.
The RenoIndex simulator supports you in this process by providing a personalized price range for your upcoming solar works, helping you keep your project budget on track.
Your project in 5 steps
1. Estimate
Set a budget range with the estimator.
2. Grants
Apply before work starts.
3. Quotes
Compare at least 3 quotes.
4. Permit
Check with the municipality whether a permit is needed.
5. Works
Follow the site and do a written handover.
Grants and subsidies
No specific grant listed for this work. Maintenance tax deductions may still apply.
Companies in the area
Renfer Sàrl Qualité et Service
2606 Corgémont · about 9.4 km
Renfer Sàrl is a company active in the fields of plumbing, heating, tinsmithing, and kitchen and bathroom renovations in the Jura region.
renfersa.chAnotta S.A.
2732 Reconvilier · about 10.4 km
Anotta SA in Reconvilier installs and renovates plumbing and heating systems, including heat pumps and solar thermal systems, with a seven-day-a-week breakdown service for its customers.
anotta.chBernard Monnerat
2740 Moutier · about 16.7 km
Company in Moutier specializing in plumbing, heating (oil, wood, heat pumps), and solar thermal and photovoltaic solutions.
bmonnerat.chSuggestions from the commercial register by distance and activity. Not an endorsement or partnership.
Frequently asked questions
Does solar water heating work in winter?
Yes, the system produces energy even in winter, although efficiency is lower due to reduced sunlight. It usually does not cover 100% of your needs, which is why a supplementary system like a boiler or heat pump is necessary to ensure consistent hot water availability throughout the year.
What grants are available in Biel?
Grants depend primarily on the programs provided by the canton of Bern. It is advisable to check the current criteria with the cantonal energy offices before starting your project. Subsidies are often provided for new solar thermal installations or as part of major energy-focused home renovations.
How much does a solar thermal system cost?
Costs vary depending on the size of the installation and your roof configuration. To get a realistic price range tailored to your specific home, we invite you to use the free RenoIndex simulator. This will help you plan your project with complete transparency.
Is a building permit required?
Most rooftop solar installations are subject to a simplified notification procedure. However, certain protected areas may require a formal permit. It is recommended to consult the relevant authorities in the city of Biel before proceeding with the installation to avoid any administrative delays.
Works often combined in Biel/Bienne
Solar panels cost in Biel/BienneHeat pump installation cost in Biel/BienneRoof renovation cost in Biel/Bienne
Other works in Biel/Bienne
Kitchen renovationBathroom renovationNew flooringInterior paintingWindow replacementRoof renovationFacade insulationHeat pump installationSolar panelsHome solar batteryTerrace constructionFence installationStairwell renovationElevator installation or upgrade