Swiss Government Rejects Green Party's Solar Initiative

2026-03-07 02:07:35

(MENAFN- Swissinfo) On Friday, the government rejected the initiative to make solar compulsory on all new buildings and renovations, arguing that it would constitute an infringement of private property. Select your language

Generated with artificial intelligence. Listening: Swiss government rejects Green Party's solar initiative This content was published on March 7, 2026 - 12:12 2 minutes Keystone-SDA

Français fr Le Conseil fédéral rejette l'initiative sur le solaire des Verts Original Read more: Le Conseil fédéral rejette l'initiative sur le solaire des

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The government said it recognised the need for domestic energy production to be significantly expanded. However, the initiative would constitute an infringement of private property and the guarantee of ownership, ministers said in a press releaseExternal link.

Its implementation would give rise to a number of problems in the division of tasks between federal and cantonal authorities, the government argued. It also said the initiative would raise major issues like increased manpower requirements and the need to strengthen the electricity grid and develop storage solutions.

Finally, the central demand of the initiative is already taken into account by new energy regulations for cantons introduced in 2025. Since last year, the Energy Act has also made it compulsory for roofs or facades of new buildings to be equipped with a solar power system if the construction area exceeds 300m2.
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