Solar obligation in Berlin – the current status

Published on: March 16, 2021 / Updated on: September 6, 2022 – Author: Konrad Wolfenstein

Berlin's Solar Law and the Solar City Master Plan: Berlin is making climate protection mandatory. The Senate has decided that from 2023, photovoltaic systems will be mandatory for new buildings. This also applies to existing buildings if the roof is being renovated.

Solar compulsory in Berlin from 2023 – Image: Robert Kneschke|Shutterstock.com

The draft of the “Berlin Solar Law” was already approved on March 2, 2021. The Council of Mayors of the Berlin districts had previously given its consent on February 18, 2021. The draft law only needed to be debated and adopted by the House of Representatives. The Berlin House of Representatives has since passed the “Berlin Solar Law” with minor amendments.

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• Berlin Solar Law – Berlin Senate adopts climate protection with photovoltaics

The introduction of mandatory solar panels in Berlin

From January 1, 2023, this applies to installations requiring significant roof modifications. The building's usable floor area must be greater than 50 m². Furthermore, at least 30% of the net living area must be covered with photovoltaic panels. This applies to both existing and new buildings! Alternative minimum requirements have also been established for residential buildings.

Alternative minimum requirements:

• Installation of a 2 kW solar system for two apartments.
• Installation of a 3 kW solar system for three to five apartments.
• Installation of a 6 kW solar power system for six to ten apartments.

The Berlin Solar Law

The Berlin Solar Act is intended to regulate the construction and operation of solar power systems in new buildings and roof renovations. Around 2,300 new buildings are constructed in Berlin every year. According to the Senate Department for Economic Affairs, Berlin aims for photovoltaic systems to supply a quarter of its electricity needs by 2050. To achieve this, approximately 4,400 megawatts of solar power capacity are required. Calculations indicate that this could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 37,000 tons within five years. Currently, photovoltaic systems in Berlin cover only 0.7% of the city's electricity consumption.

Section 1, paragraph 3 of the Berlin Solar Act mandates a minimum size for photovoltaic systems in new buildings and existing buildings with significant roof modifications.

This applies to new buildings or significant roof renovations that began after December 31, 2022, if the usable floor area exceeds 50 square meters. The photovoltaic system must be commissioned from the start of use of the new building or from the completion of the renovations.

The obligation is considered fulfilled if solar thermal systems are installed and operated on the roof of the building in accordance with the regulations of the Building Energy Act of August 8, 2020.

Likewise, if a photovoltaic system is alternatively installed on other external surfaces of the building, which has an area corresponding to the prescribed minimum size.

A solar panel requirement for open parking lots, as is the case in Baden-Württemberg, is not currently provided for in the Berlin Solar Act.

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What exceptions are there?

The following are exceptions:

• The obligation to install a photovoltaic system is waived if it contradicts other public law regulations.
• In individual cases it is technically impossible or unacceptable, for example if the building is oriented exclusively to the north.
• Greenhouses and cultivation buildings for the breeding, propagation and sale of plants.
• Air-supported halls and temporary structures.
• Garages and ancillary buildings, provided that the obligation is already fulfilled by another building on the same property.
• The Senate is authorized to regulate further exceptions or exemptions from the obligation by statutory order.
• An exemption may be granted by the Senate Department responsible for energy if, in individual cases, the obligation would lead to an unreasonable expense or otherwise result in undue hardship due to special circumstances.

What is the minimum size of photovoltaic systems?

• For new buildings, photovoltaic systems must cover at least 30 percent of the gross roof area. The gross roof area is the entire roof surface covering a building, including any overhangs but excluding gutters. If the roof surface consists of several sections, the gross roof area is the total area of ​​all these sections.
• In the case of significant roof renovations, photovoltaic systems must cover at least 30 percent of the net roof area. The installed capacity must not exceed the following limits:
  • Three kilowatts for residential buildings with a maximum of two apartments.
  • Six kilowatts for residential buildings with more than two apartments.
  • Six kilowatts for non-residential buildings.

How can proof of implementation be provided?

• Proof of compliance must be submitted to the building authority and the authorities responsible for enforcing the Building Energy Act. The Senate Department responsible for energy provides a corresponding form for this purpose.
• The responsible building authorities conduct annual spot checks.
• For administrative offenses, fines of up to 10,000 euros can be imposed.

Related to the topic:

• More solar power plants with the Berlin Master Plan Solar City
• Solar panel mandate is coming – Berlin achieves its 2020 climate target ahead of schedule
• Berlin's solar law for more solar energy
• Berlin Solar Law: Law with explanatory memorandum (PDF)
• Information brochure master plan Solarcity Berlin (PDF)

With Xpert.Solar, we offer consulting services for companies planning a photovoltaic system for a flat or pitched roof – even without roof penetration!

• Plan photovoltaics for warehouses, commercial halls and industrial halls
• Industrial plant: Plan a photovoltaic open-air system or open-space system
• Plan solar systems with photovoltaic solutions for freight forwarding and contract logistics
• B2B solar systems and photovoltaic solutions & advice

• Planning solar carports

Why Xpert.Solar ?

Xpert.Solar is a project of Xpert.Digital. We have many years of experience in supporting and consulting for warehouse solutions and in logistics optimization, which we combine under the Xpert.Plus umbrella in a large network. With Xpert.Solar, we combine the same expertise in the field of photovoltaics and renewable energies.

If you wish, you can also access our extensive market research and market intelligence data in PDF format. Learn more .

Konrad Wolfenstein

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