June 11, 2024

Swiss Welcomes New Solar PV Installation Law

In a decisive move to bolster its energy independence and climate commitments, Swiss citizens have overwhelmingly approved a new federal electricity law. With a strong 68.72% majority in a national referendum, the vote on the “Federal Act on a Secure Electricity Supply Based on Renewable Energies” ushers in a new era for renewable energy, placing a significant focus on solar power.

Central to the legislation is a mandate for photovoltaic systems on new buildings. According to Article 45a of the Energy Act, effective January 1, 2025, all new constructions with a footprint exceeding 300 square meters must incorporate solar installations on their roofs or facades. This measure makes permanent the temporary “solar express” rules from 2022 and gives cantons the authority to extend the requirement to smaller buildings.

The legislative push is a direct response to Switzerland’s vulnerability to energy shortages, particularly during winter months when the country relies on imported electricity often generated from fossil fuels. The law aims to accelerate the build-out of domestic renewables, including easing planning rules for wind power, 16 key hydropower projects, and large solar plants. The initiative received strong cross-party support in parliament, passing 177 to 19 in the lower house and unanimously in the Council of States.

Industry experts have hailed the law as a foundational step. The Swissolar association commented, “Solar energy will become the second pillar of Swiss energy supply, along with hydroelectric energy.” This vision is supported by ambitious targets: renewables are slated to supply 35 TWh annually by 2035, with solar being the primary contributor. By 2050, the goal is for solar energy to generate 45 TWh per year, meeting half of the nation’s electricity demand.

The law also encourages the formation of local energy communities and expands collective self-consumption models. This strategy builds on significant momentum, with over 1.5 GW of new solar capacity from various installations added in 2023 alone. As hydropower already accounts for 56% of the country’s electricity mix, this strategic solar expansion positions Switzerland to significantly reduce its carbon footprint and enhance its energy sovereignty—a move given fresh urgency by a recent European Court of Human Rights ruling on the nation’s climate inaction.