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GROUP-IT is a research project launched by the University of Applied Sciences Western Switzerland Valais-Wallis (HES-SO Valais-Wallis) and supported by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE). The initial idea of this project is to accelerate the process of energy transition in French-speaking Switzerland, by supporting building owners in their efforts to install photovoltaic systems.

House with solar panels

The goals of the project are to :

  • Increase photovoltaic production to reach the 2050 objectives of the Swiss Confederation.
  • Connect customers and solar companies.
  • Contribute to local businesses.
  • Provide neutral support.
  • Simplify and popularize the installation process.

GROUP-IT? What is GROUP-IT?

Created in 2017, GROUP-IT offers support and decision-making assistance to owners in the municipality where a project is launched. Indeed, each project is attached to the territory of one or more municipalities.

The first step, i.e. the receipt of a photovoltaic pre-evaluation with the assessment of the photovoltaic potential, as well as a cost analysis, is free of charge for each participant.

The following process is proposed to project participants:

  • A pre-registration on the GROUP-IT web platform.
  • A pre-evaluation of the house's solar potential.
  • A visit of the house.
  • Participation in a grouped call for tenders.
  • Sending the two best offers from companies to each participant.

The second phase of the project, after the reception of the pre-evaluation, is optional and requires the financial participation of each owner wishing to participate in a grouped call for tenders.

In 2020-2021, a dedicated platform has been developed and German is also offered in addition to French.

The benefits of GROUP-IT

 The GROUP-IT action offers the following advantages:

  • Support in a process that may seem complicated and time-consuming.
  • A popularization of technical terms, often used in the energy field.
  • Management of calls for tender, in order to obtain the best quality/price ratio.
  • A neutral status and a non-commercial approach.
  • No contractual obligation to carry out the installation before the final offer is signed.

Projects already carried out:

2017:
  • First project in the village of Saint-Martin in Canton of Valais
2018-2019:
  • Replication throughout French-speaking Switzerland
2019-2020:
  • Municipalities of the Gruyères Pays d'Enhaut Regional Nature Park (1st edition)
  • Municipalities of the Association of Communes of Crans-Montana (ACCM)
2020-2021:
  • Newly merged municipality of Neuchâtel (Neuchâtel, Valangin, Peseux and Corcelles-Cormondrèche)
2021:
2021-2022:

Contact

Website : www.group-it.ch

Email : group-it@hes-so.ch

Phone : +41 (0)58 606 90 76