Solar roofs will be mandatory in Berlin starting in 2023

The law applies to housing, commercial and industrial buildings

Yesterday, the city of Berlin announced that, starting from 1 January, private owners will be obligated to install solar roofs on newly constructed buildings. The law also applies to existing buildings that are due to undergo roof renovations.

This is a way for local authorities to push for creating more sustainable energy inside the city limits. It will also incentivise and help households make the jump towards green energy, ultimately decreasing households’ energy bills.

The solar obligation

The solar obligation applies to residential buildings as well as to commercial and industrial structures. The law mandates that 30% of a roof needs to be dedicated to a photovoltaic system. In the case of existing buildings, roof structures, skylights and the like can be subtracted from the roof area to be applied. Furthermore, buildings with a usable area of ​​up to 50 square meters are exempt from the solar obligation.

In addition, Berlin has support mechanisms like funding and an advice structure for solar construction. The so-called Solar Center Berlin is open to companies and private individuals for free. It is also an independent public body which offers product-neutral advice.

Moreover, in 2022 and 2023, the city has opened a budget for the SolarPLUS programme of a total of 23.7 million euros. The programme aims to help companies and households fund solar installations, including in listed buildings.

The Berlin Solar Law was passed in the House of Representatives on 17 June 2021 and came into force on 16 July 2021. The aim of the solar law is to make the solar potential on the roofs of Berlin usable and thus make an important contribution to achieving climate protection goals.