PV flexibility becomes a new source of income
What operators of photovoltaic systems previously saw as a nuisance is now becoming a lucrative business. With targeted throttling in the balancing energy market, a multiple of the usual feed-in tariffs can be achieved. The "Profit-Plus" model converts grid overloads into yield plus and accelerates the solar turnaround in Switzerland.
Switzerland is pursuing ambitious solar targets and is planning to increase PV electricity production fivefold. On sunny days, however, surpluses overload the grids, which is why the 3% rule allows distribution grid operators to throttle systems by up to 30 percent of their output without compensation. sun2wheel and convoltas are reversing this principle. They bundle PV systems into a virtual power plant and market the flexibility in Swissgrid’s balancing energy market. Instead of suffering losses, operators receive premiums for targeted feed-in reductions.
20 percent increase in yield
In the current Swissgrid pilot project PV4Balancing, the system has been delivering impressive figures since June 2025. Operators generate around CHF 10 in additional income per installed kilowatt, which corresponds to a 20% increase in yield. Throttling only takes place for 4 to 8 hours a month, mostly at weekends or in changeable weather conditions. “Our customers earn more with flexibility than with pure feed-in,” emphasizes Fabian Gloor. More than 100 large-scale systems have already been contracted.
AI-controlled virtual power plant
The companies are the first providers to offer PV flexibility outside of the pilot on the balancing energy market. AI-based software recognizes surplus times, controls systems in minutes and integrates medium-sized systems without expensive sensors. “We network PV systems, storage systems and e-charging stations to create a flexible energy system,” explains CEO Sandro Schopfer. In future, small systems for single-family homes will also be included.
Grid stability meets solar yield
The solution supports the 3% rule by automatically diverting production peaks to storage systems or e-vehicles. Grid operators receive stability, PV operators additional income and solar production grows without grid overloads. The “profit-plus” model shows how technological innovation and market mechanisms are driving the energy transition forward. Flexibility is becoming the new currency that makes solar systems more economical and grid-friendly.