⏱ 2 min read
Background
The popular initiative “For a secure supply of renewable energy”, known as the solar initiative, was submitted on 10 December 2025. It aims to require owners to fit solar panels on all suitable surfaces. Since 1 January 2025, the law already requires a solar installation on new buildings with a relevant surface area above 300 m². In March 2026, the Federal Council announced its opposition.
The key points
On 11 November 2026, the Federal Council adopted its dispatch on the solar initiative. It recommends that Parliament reject it, with no counter-proposal.
The text covers roofs, walls, car parks and other suitable structures. Save for exceptions, owners would have to install solar modules. The Federal Council considers this obligation contrary to the guarantee of property. It points out that energy policy relies on incentives, backed by major federal investment in solar power.
It supports a diversified strategy combining hydropower, photovoltaics, wind, biomass and nuclear power. In its view, a massive expansion of solar power to cover winter needs would create large surpluses in summer and require interventions on the electricity grid.
Key figures
- 10 December 2025 : submission of the initiative
- 300 m² : surface area above which a new building must already generate solar electricity, since 1 January 2025
- 15 years : deadline set by the initiative for equipping existing buildings
What it means for businesses
- Property owners : no new federal obligation until Parliament and the people have decided
- Solar installers : the Federal Council doubts there are enough professionals for such an expansion
- Cantons : they remain primarily responsible for building rules
What's next
- The Parliament will examine the dispatch ahead of the popular vote
Further reading
Sources
- Federal Council – The Federal Council recommends rejecting the “solar initiative” (official source)
- Federal Council – The Federal Council rejects the “solar initiative” (6 March 2026) (official source)
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