Switzerland plans mandatory solar systems for new buildings

Switzerland is planning to make the installation of solar panels on new buildings mandatory and to introduce more measures in order to incentivise the deployment of renewable energy.

The Energy Commission of the Swiss parliament last week approved a proposal under which all new buildings across the country and existing buildings that undergo extensive renovations must have solar systems on their roofs. All existing non-residential buildings with an area exceeding 300 sq m (358.8 sq yd) will also have to be equipped with solar panels by 2032 if the proposal becomes law. The solar must will apply also to parking lots with an area of ​​over 250 sq m. Solar roofs will have to be installed in such areas by 2035.

Last autumn, the Federal Council approved a proposal to set up solar systems on all suitable roof and facade areas of federal administration buildings by 2034.

Like the Council of States, which is the upper house of the Federal Assembly, the Commission also supports the proposal for additional renewable energy generation of 6 TWh by 2040 with the objective to strengthen the security of supply in winter. The additional power production should come from hydropower, solar and wind energy projects designated as being of national importance.

In addition, the requirements for the construction of ground-mounted solar parks outside the building zone should be regulated in the Spatial Planning Act. Outside the agricultural zone, such systems should be considered site-specific, meaning that they can only be installed there if they are located in a disadvantaged area and are able to be connected to the power grid at a reasonable cost, according to the Commission. Wind farms of national interest in the forest should be considered site-specific if a road connection is already available.

The Commission is also in favour of introducing a sliding market premium to promote the generation of renewable energy and proposes to include existing biomass-fired power installations in the list of plants that would be entitled to this premium.

The proposals are part of the Commission's work on the federal law on a secure renewable energy supply. The aim is to pass the bill to the National Council for this year's spring session.

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