Residential mandatory solar installation policy

When will a solar system be mandated in the EU?

EU Solar Standard will mandate solar installations on new commercial and public buildings by end-2026, non-residential buildings that undergo a relevant renovation by end- 2027, new residential buildings by end-2029, and existing public buildings, in steps depending on the size, by 2030.

Should commercial buildings be obligated to install a solar energy system?

Commercial, public, and residential buildings should be both obligated in this first phase as in combination with a sufficient financing mechanism equipping a new roof with a solar energy system is a no-regret measure even for the building owner.

Will EU members have to install solar panels in public and non-residential buildings?

The legislation says that if technically and economically suitable, EU member states will have to deploy solar installations progressively in public and non-residential buildings, depending on their size.

Will a solar roof be required for commercial buildings in 2027?

The commission is proposing a solar rooftop requirement for commercial and public buildings from 2027, and for new residential buildings from 2029. “I know this is ambitious, but it is realistic, we can do it,” said von der Leyen, noting that investment in renewables is the bloc’s “biggest task.”

Will repowereu impose a phased-in legal obligation to install solar panels?

To achieve this, the Commission’s REPowerEU plan and the “solar rooftop initiative” is introducing a phased-in legal obligation to install solar panels on new public and commercial buildings, as well as new residential buildings by 2029.

When will a solar system be incorporated into a building?

It sets a timeline of integrating solar installations into building works of new commercial and public buildings by 2026, on commercial and public buildings that undergo relevant renovations by 2027, on new residential buildings by 2029 and on existing public buildings by 2030.