Switzerland seeks rapid solar expansion to boost winter power supply

Switzerland is preparing to take measures to support the roll-out of solar energy, including a solar rooftop requirement for new buildings, in a bid to avoid the impending power supply bottlenecks during the winter.

The Energy Commission of the Federal Council of States has resolved to create the legal basis for expanding photovoltaic (PV) capacity across the country as quickly as possible to ensure that the additional capacity needed to meet demand in the winter months will come from renewable energy.

To facilitate the deployment of solar capacity, the Commission plans legal changes that will enable the rapid implementation of ground-mounted solar projects, especially in the Alpine region. The regulation will apply to solar systems with an annual output of over 20 GWh and will provide for the exemption of such projects from planning and environmental impact assessments. These projects will also receive an investment subsidy from the state.

The Commission also decided that starting from January 1, 2024, all new buildings must have a solar installation on their roofs. Building applications, submitted before this date, will be exempted from the requirement.

Additionally, all suitable areas on federal infrastructure systems should be used for power generation from solar energy.

The proposals will be discussed by the Council of States in the 2022 autumn session. The Commission wants these provisions to enter into force at short notice in the form of a law.

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