Switzerland abolishes permit requirements for solar facades

With the new Article 32a of the amended Spatial Planning Ordinance, Switzerland is regulating the registration of solar systems, according to the industry association Swissolar. These systems will now be exempt from permits under certain conditions if they are sufficiently adapted to a facade. To achieve this, they must, among other things, be arranged in compact rectangular areas and match the existing facade aesthetics in terms of color and design. This applies not only to the surface structure, but also to the color scheme.

Build a maximum of 20 centimeters away from the wall

Furthermore, they must not obscure any structural or decorative elements on the facade. The systems must be arranged parallel to the building wall and must not protrude beyond the edges of the facade. For ventilated facades, a maximum distance of 20 centimeters between the building wall and the solar system applies. Furthermore, the regulations imposed by the cantons on solar facades apply. If these are not complied with, they must still be approved.

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Maintain facade aesthetics

Solar systems that completely cover gable roofs no longer require a permit. Solar facades located within a work zone or within the scope of regional building zones also no longer require approval. The prerequisite is that they comply with the installation and aesthetic requirements set by the federal, cantonal, or municipal authorities.

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Installations on noise barriers are eligible for approval

Article 32c of the new Spatial Planning Ordinance also regulates the installation of photovoltaic systems on or near buildings and infrastructure elements outside of building zones. This applies in particular to the construction of systems on noise barriers. If these form a single unit, they are normally considered eligible for approval. "This provision does not include electrical connections and any storage facilities for such systems," industry representatives state.

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Solar system outside of towns

The new Article 32d deals with solar power plants outside of building zones that are not in the national interest. Here, the legislature requires a comprehensive balancing of interests if such plants are to be built. Responsibilities for permitting, the creation of compensatory areas, and dismantling are regulated by cantonal law. In principle, the provisions of Articles 24a-e of the Spatial Planning Act apply here.

Approval of agri-PV not uniformly regulated

With the revision, the Federal Council in Bern is implementing some of Swissolar's demands. However, the industry representatives' proposals regarding agri-PV were not taken seriously by the government. Swissolar had proposed that there should be nationwide regulations for the approval of an agri-PV system. This would result in each canton establishing its own approval procedure. (see below)