Schaffhausen decides on obligation to build solar systems
Published: Tuesday, Apr 23rd 2024, 09:20
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In future, homeowners in the canton of Schaffhausen will not only have to install photovoltaic systems on new buildings, but also on existing buildings in twelve years' time. This is the demand of the cantonal solar initiative, which will be put to the vote on June 9.
The solar initiative launched by the Young Greens of Schaffhausen demands that solar systems must be installed on suitable buildings. Electricity must also be produced on the roofs of existing buildings no later than twelve years after the initiative is adopted. Until then, a solar obligation should apply to renovations. Details such as exceptions and transition periods are to be regulated at legislative level.
The aim of the initiative is to greatly accelerate the expansion of photovoltaics in the canton. In the opinion of the initiators, the measures taken to date in the energy sector are not sufficient to achieve the climate targets that have been set. In the cantonal council, the initiative was supported by the Greens, the SP and the GLP.
Opponents want incentives rather than coercion
The FDP, SVP and Center Party reject the bill. They criticize the obligation to build photovoltaic systems as too much of an encroachment on the guarantee of ownership. The desired expansion of photovoltaics should be promoted with targeted incentives rather than coercion.
Overall, the cantonal council rejected the initiative by 34 votes to 21. The cantonal government also recommended that the initiative be rejected. Among other things, the government referred to the ongoing revision of the Energy Act, which also provides for measures to promote solar power systems, particularly in new buildings.
The majority of cantons now require that part of the electricity required for new buildings is produced directly on site. In most cases, this is done through a photovoltaic system.
More controversial are regulations that make solar energy mandatory for existing buildings during renovations. In the canton of Zurich, for example, a proposal is pending in the cantonal council calling for a similar regulation to the initiative that will be put to the vote in the canton of Schaffhausen in June.
©Keystone/SDA
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