Mandatory solar on every suitable surface? The Swiss government says no

On Wednesday, 11 November, the Federal Council adopted its dispatch on the popular initiative “For a secure supply of renewable energy (solar initiative)”. It recommends that parliament reject the initiative – without a counter-proposal.

What the initiative wants

Submitted on 10 December 2025, the initiative demands that all suitable surfaces of buildings and installations be used to produce renewable energy. The focus is on solar installations on buildings, walls, car parks and other suitable structures. Owners would be obliged to install them, with exceptions.

The government's arguments

First, ambitious statutory expansion targets for solar power already exist, and the federal government already supports the technology with substantial investment.

Second, an obligation would interfere with the constitutional guarantee of property and mark a paradigm shift: so far Switzerland has relied on incentives, not obligations.

Third, the government is pursuing a broad strategy of hydropower, photovoltaics, wind, biomass and nuclear power. Noticeably raising winter production would require an exceptionally large build-out of photovoltaics – which could lead to summer surpluses and additional interventions in the grid.

Fourth, the cantons are primarily responsible for buildings, so a federal requirement could blur responsibilities. It is also unclear whether enough skilled workers would be available.

What happens next

It is now parliament's turn. It will debate the initiative and issue its own recommendation.