With the start of the new year, private property owners Berlin are obliged to install solar panels on the roofs of buildings. The law also applies to existing buildings that need to undergo roof renovation. This has been announced by the city council of Berlin. The new law – das Solargesetz – applies to residential as well as commercial and industrial real estate.
An obligation for solar panels on the roofs of buildings should offer the Berlin government the opportunity to expand the capacity of sustainable energy within its own city limits. The initiative should also encourage families to make the switch to sustainable sources, which can ultimately reduce their energy costs.
30 percent area for solar panels
The law prescribes that at least 30 percent of a roof must be used for the installation of solar panels. In existing buildings, roof constructions and skylights can be deducted from the area that is eligible for the installation of solar panels. In addition, buildings with a usable area of up to fifty square meters are exempt from the new obligation.
In addition, Berlin has support mechanisms – such as equipment purchase financing instruments and access to specialist advice – to help residents make the transition to renewable energy.
Independent advice
The so-called Solar Center Berlin can be consulted free of charge by both companies and individuals. The center also functions as an independent government body.
The city also reserved a budget of 23.7 million euros for its SolarPlus program last year. That program will run until the end of next year and is intended to help companies and households finance solar installations, including for monumental buildings.
Solar law
Berlin's Solargesetz was passed in the House of Representatives in June last year and came into effect a month later. 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 strategies to limit global warming.
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Dear Wil Sillen Thank you for getting your climate love to level 2! We have reached out to BUND Berlin and requested a response. I will keep you updated on any progress! /Adam We Don't Have Time
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This is absolutely great! Such Actions is what we need.
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Renewable energy is the way to go
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Good policy to be endorsed for every building
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Very great policy! Roofs really are (unused) spaces that could be used to help us in this transition! I would love all roofs to have either solar panels or vegetation!
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Fantastic policy, other European capitals should follow suit
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The idea of financing the transition to renewable energy is prudent.
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Great initiative, adopting to sustainable energy is the way to go for our planet
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This is the great law in mitigating climate change
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Great Policy!
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Good work Berlin...this Law should be a common Law all over the world for a better planet.