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Tag: Solarpflicht Zuerich

  • Canton Zurich wants to use large roofs for solar power

    Canton Zurich wants to use large roofs for solar power

    The Zurich Cantonal Council wants to improve the security of the electricity supply with solar power and long-term storage. According to a statement, it presented two proposals to amend the cantonal energy law on 6 January.

    The first bill stipulates that roofs larger than 300 square metres must be equipped with solar panels across their entire surface. This requirement applies to new buildings and the renovation of existing roofs. The cantonal government estimates the potential of fully utilising all suitable roofs at around 6 terawatt hours of electricity per year. This corresponds to around two-thirds of the canton’s current electricity consumption. According to the cantonal government, around 60 per cent of this potential lies in large roofs.

    The second bill provides for the expansion of long-term storage facilities. Electricity grid operators are to jointly promote these in future. This promotion is to be financed by a levy on electricity consumption not exceeding 0.5 centimes per kilowatt hour. The corresponding promotion fund is to be managed by the Zurich Cantonal Electricity Works (EKZ). The cantonal government wants to use this to make the surplus solar power generated in summer available for use during the winter months.

    Both proposals will now be submitted to the Cantonal Council for deliberation.

  • Zurich strengthens energy future with solar and storage obligation

    Zurich strengthens energy future with solar and storage obligation

    The largest unused power plant is located on Zurich’s roofs. Around 6 terawatt hours of solar power could be generated annually, almost two thirds of the canton’s electricity requirements. The cantonal government wants to exploit this potential. In future, all suitable roofs over 300 square meters are to be fully covered with solar systems. New buildings are subject to the obligation from the time of construction, existing buildings when the roof is replaced.

    In this way, Zurich is focusing on proven structures. Solar energy is generated locally, can be implemented quickly and hardly encounters any resistance. It strengthens self-sufficiency, especially if surplus summer electricity can be stored.

    Storage as a bridge to winter
    The way to a secure winter supply is through storage. Three quarters of solar power is generated in the summer months. A surplus that should be available for long-term use in the future. The Government Council wants to oblige grid operators to promote long-term storage in a technology-neutral way.

    A moderate levy of no more than 0.5 centimes per kilowatt hour will feed the subsidy fund, which will be administered by the EKZ. For households and businesses, this means around two percent higher electricity costs. Hardship regulations protect electricity-intensive companies.

    Law with a sense of proportion
    Where systems are uneconomical, financial hardship exists or there is no grid connection, exceptions remain possible and the obligation does not apply. Protective interests for the landscape and townscape are also weighed up.

    Zurich is thus sending out a pragmatic signal. Instead of hoping for large-scale projects in the Alps or wind farms, the potential is being used locally. The combination of nationwide solar production and a storage strategy forms the backbone of a secure, renewable energy future in the canton.