Lighting is rarely included in investment plans. It usually works fine, rarely leads to complaints, and thus reliably slips out of view—until the first light fixture fails in the stairwell, followed by the next one in the parking garage. What follows is an unplanned expense under time pressure. And it’s precisely this sequence of events that costs money that’s actually already available.
The funding pool isn’t the problem
In 2025, the federal ProKilowatt program supported 63 projects and three programs with a total of 26 million Swiss francs—just over a third of the up to 70 million Swiss francs available annually. The chances of success are high: Up to 85 percent of eligible applications are approved, based on cost-effectiveness. Those who apply for minimal funding to achieve significant savings come out on top. Lighting retrofits with high operating hours—such as in underground parking garages or commercial spaces—consistently perform well in this regard.
Timing is crucial
Funding is available only for projects that have not yet been implemented: Contracts may not be awarded and materials may not be ordered until after the funding decision has been made. Anyone who places an order first and then submits the application loses their eligibility entirely—up to 30 percent of the investment costs are at stake.
Those who wait lose out threefold
In the event of a malfunction, no funding is available . If the system fails, orders must be placed immediately. The sequence of submitting the application before placing orders can then no longer be followed. The planned renovation turns into a partial retrofit under time pressure, without any grant funding.
Those who start without a plan pay twice. There’s nothing wrong with a phased renovation, as long as it’s planned. In the event of a malfunction, however, the defect determines which part needs attention first and what’s currently available. The result will only fit into the later overall concept by chance: it must either be replaced again, or a mixed system will result with uneven lighting and two generations of replacement parts. Scaffolding, installation, and operational downtime will be incurred a second time—and the part that has already been retrofitted will no longer be eligible for funding.
Those who renovate too late end up doing a smaller-scale renovation for the same amount of money. The old system has to be replaced anyway. Today, the subsidy covers part of the cost as long as the renovation hasn’t yet paid for itself. Once LED becomes the standard, it will eventually pay for itself even without the subsidy—and the subsidy will be discontinued. Those who wait until then will have to pay for the replacement entirely on their own and will only be able to afford a simple lamp replacement, not the entire system with controls and infrastructure.
Why Lighting Is Affected in Particular
As of 2023, compact fluorescent lamps as well as T5 and T8 fluorescent lamps may no longer be imported into Switzerland. Existing systems may continue to operate, but replacing them will become more difficult. Many property owners are relying on their existing stock, thereby postponing the decision to a time they have no control over. Are you one of them?
When a retrofit isn’t worth it
If operating hours are low, a complete renovation is planned, or the system is relatively new, a retrofit is often not economically viable—even with subsidies. A thorough assessment must be allowed to reach this conclusion. The difference is that it is then a conscious decision, not one dictated by the supplier’s inventory.
Conclusion
The funding pool is well-stocked, and the chances of receiving a grant are high—you just need to get the timing right. Those who know their inventory before a failure occurs can decide for themselves on the timing, scope, and funding. Those who wait leave this decision to chance.
Free Analysis Package for Real Estate
LEDVANCE Switzerland supports property owners and managers in assessing their existing lighting systems. The free analysis package includes a risk analysis checklist, a decision-making guide, an overview of funding programs, and regional contacts.
The analysis package will be available for free download starting September 7. Email us and we’ll send it to you as soon as it’s available.
