Swiss voters have approved a new electricity regulation requiring large buildings to install photovoltaic systems to support power communities and encourage collective energy self-consumption.

Approximately 68.72% of Swiss people voted in favor of the new electricity regulation to accelerate the development of renewable energy. The law provides new incentives for the development of photovoltaic power generation, requiring new buildings with an area of more than 300 square meters to install solar devices on their roofs or exterior walls.

The cantons may extend this requirement to buildings with an area of less than 300 square meters.

In a press release, the Swiss industry association Swissolar said, "This electricity law lays the necessary foundation for the continued growth of solar power generation—primarily located on buildings and infrastructure, provided by devices with high winter efficiency. Solar power will become the second pillar of Switzerland's energy supply, on par with hydropower."

Hydropower accounted for 56% of the electricity mix in 2023, significantly contributing to Switzerland's electricity decarbonization transition. This year, Swiss solar power will provide 6 TWh of electricity, about 10% of annual consumption. By 2035, new renewable energy must provide 35 TWh of electricity annually, most of which will come from solar power. Swissolar expects that by 2050, the annual power generation of photovoltaic power will reach 45 TWh, accounting for about half of the country's electricity consumption.

The new regulation also supports local power communities, expanding the self-consumption group. Distribution network operators must sell more electricity from local renewable energy sources to customers.

Source：pv magazine group