Councils of States do not want a solar obligation on new construction

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The Commission for Environment, Spatial Planning and Energy of the Council of States (Urek-S) rejects the solar obligation for all new buildings decided by the National Council. It is an excessive encroachment on the private property and sovereignty of the cantons.

Instead, the mandatory use of solar energy on buildings with a surface area of ​​300 square meters or more will be converted into applicable law indefinitely. This was decided by the committee with six votes in favor and four against with two abstentions.

Solar cells in large parking lots

In addition, a seven-to-three majority in the committee wants to make parking spaces above a certain size with solar panels mandatory. This obligation must apply immediately to new parking spaces larger than 250 square meters and to existing parking spaces larger than 500 square meters with a transition period of five years.

The National Council had spoken in favor of installing solar panels in new buildings and major alterations and renovations, especially when the roof was renovated.

Green threatens with initiative

Green President Balthasar Glättli (51) reacted immediately to the Commission’s decision. He threatens with a citizens’ initiative if the municipalities finally reverse the solar obligation on new buildings.

“The Commission is delaying the green energy transition: a solar system must finally be installed on every suitable roof,” he stressed in a statement on Friday. “If Parliament doesn’t correct it, the Greens will launch a nationally popular solar energy initiative.”

According to a representative survey by the Swiss Energy Foundation SES, 75 percent of the population is in favor of expanding solar energy as part of renovations and new construction. (SDA/sq)

Source:Blick