A popular initiative by the Swiss Greens that would require solar panels on most rooftops has collected more than 100,000 signatures, enough to trigger a nationwide vote once the Federal Chancellery formally confirms it, RTS reported. The proposal aims to require the installation of photovoltaic systems on almost all new and existing buildings, although exemptions would apply for protected structures.
The Greens argue that Switzerland's roofs provide enough space to meet the country's entire electricity needs. They say the introduction of solar panels would facilitate the energy transition and reduce dependence on foreign energy.
Strong resistance from the real estate and energy sectors
The plan faces strong opposition from property owners and utility companies. Real estate groups reject mandatory investment costs, especially at a time when prices for feeding electricity into the grid are falling and property owners have lost confidence in future price promises. In addition, the cost of solar modules in Switzerland is very high compared to Europe, which undermines their investment opportunities.
Grid operators warn that adding so much solar power could jeopardize grid stability. Instead, they advocate the construction of large photovoltaic parks in Alpine regions. These can be built with network connections that support the flow of electricity inwards – the existing network is designed so that most of the electricity flows outwards. Another major challenge is storing peak production. If peak electricity cannot be stored, grid operators must dispose of it.
Lisa Mazzone, the president of the Green Party, defended the proposal on Swiss radio, calling solar roofs a new building standard that is essential for our security of supply. She compared it to previous national requirements such as building bomb shelters or connecting to sewage systems.
Mazzone acknowledged the cost concerns for small homeowners, noting that subsidies and guaranteed minimum buyback prices are already in place to help recoup investments. He called on the government to maintain these despite Environment Minister Albert Rösti's plans to scale them back.
If the high Swiss costs of solar installations were reduced, there would be less need for taxpayers to fund subsidies and less need for coercive measures. It would make sense to remedy this market failure first. An ecosystem that allows Swiss homeowners to import modules from Germany and have them installed by someone in Switzerland would be a big help. Currently they are typically offered in packages that include overpriced panels, installation costs and hidden margins.
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