Berlin Solar Law – Berlin Senate adopts climate protection with photovoltaics

Published on: March 16, 2021 / Updated on: March 16, 2021 – Author: Konrad Wolfenstein

Berlin Solar Law – Solarcity Master Plan – Image: canadastock|Shutterstock.com

On March 2, 2021, the Senate, upon the recommendation of Senator for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises, Ramona Pop, adopted the draft of the Berlin Solar Act, following its approval by the Council of Mayors on February 18, 2021. The draft law will now be submitted to the House of Representatives for debate and a vote.

Berlin aims to better utilize its significant solar potential to achieve its goal of covering 25 percent of its electricity needs with solar energy by 2050 at the latest. The resulting CO2 savings within five years will amount to approximately 37,000 tons per year. This legislation thus makes a crucial contribution to climate protection. Furthermore, it will boost regional economic activity.

Senator Ramona Pop: “Our solar law introduces a solar panel mandate for all new buildings and for existing buildings undergoing major roof renovations starting in 2023. Berlin has many roofs and therefore a great deal of potential for solar energy. We want to utilize this potential because Berlin needs more photovoltaic systems to become climate-neutral. With the solar law, we are making Berlin a role model for other states and municipalities in terms of climate protection and the energy transition.”

The solar panel mandate is set to take effect on January 1, 2023. The installation and operation of photovoltaic systems will then be mandatory for new buildings and existing buildings undergoing significant roof renovations, with a usable floor area exceeding 50 square meters. New buildings must cover at least 30 percent of their gross roof area, and existing buildings at least 30 percent of their net roof area, with photovoltaic systems. However, for existing buildings, the installed capacity must not exceed three kilowatts for residential buildings with a maximum of two apartments and six kilowatts for residential buildings with more than two apartments and non-residential buildings. This ensures that other roof uses remain possible. Extensive green roofs can be effectively combined with photovoltaic systems.

Furthermore, the solar law provides for exceptions, for example, if the roof faces north or if the installation of a system is technically impossible in a particular case. Instead of rooftop photovoltaic systems, solar thermal systems or facade-integrated photovoltaic systems can also be installed. If, in a specific case, the obligation would lead to unreasonable expense or undue hardship due to special circumstances, an exemption can be applied for.

The proposed legislation goes hand in hand with the implementation of the Solarcity Master Plan – a comprehensive package of measures to accelerate the expansion of solar energy. Nine areas of action, encompassing a total of 27 measures, have been defined for this purpose. These areas range from improving the framework conditions for solar energy, providing free information and advice, offering support through funding programs and incentives, and strengthening market players such as tradespeople and architects, to creating educational opportunities in the field of solar energy. Further information is available on the Solarwende Berlin .