With the Berlin Solar Law for more solar energy

Published on: December 8, 2020 / Update from: March 16, 2021 - Author: Konrad Wolfenstein

With the Berlin Solar Law for more solar energy – Image: canadastock|Shutterstock.com

Following a presentation by the Senator for Economic Affairs, Energy and Enterprises, Ramona Pop, the Senate took note of the draft for the “Berlin Solar Law” at its meeting today.
With the introduction of legal regulations for the construction and operation of solar systems on new buildings and for extensive roof renovations, the state of Berlin is taking an important step towards climate neutrality.

Senator Ramona Pop: “Solar energy plays a key role on the path to a climate-neutral Berlin. That's why we want to further accelerate solar expansion with the Solar Act. The Solar Act prevents solar systems from being planned and installed on new buildings. These are wasted areas that we urgently need for the energy transition.”

The state of Berlin recognizes the considerable potential on roofs in the city and is taking important steps with a solar law to use as much roof space as possible to generate electricity from solar energy. The aim is to advance the expansion of solar energy to 25 percent of Berlin's electricity needs by 2050 at the latest, in line with the objective of the Solar City master plan adopted in March of this year. The introduction of the law will save around 37,000 tonnes of CO2 within five years and will also boost regional value creation.

In the next few weeks, the Berlin Senate will decide on the introduction of a solar requirement for owners on the roofs of residential and commercial buildings. The obligation should apply to new buildings as well as to existing buildings in the event of a fundamental roof renovation from January 1, 2023.

In the long term, it should be ensured that all suitable roof surfaces on new buildings and in existing buildings in the event of extensive roof renovation are used to generate electricity through the use of solar radiation energy or made available to third parties.