Swiss voters approved a new electricity law that makes it mandatory for large buildings to install photovoltaic systems to support electricity communities and encourage collective energy self-use.

Some 68.72% of Swiss people voted in favor of new electricity regulations to accelerate the development of renewable energy. The law provides new incentives for the development of photovoltaic power generation. New buildings with a construction area of ​​more than 300 square meters must install solar installations on the roof or facade.

Cantons can extend this requirement to buildings with a construction area of ​​no more than 300 square meters.

"The electricity law lays the necessary foundation for the continued growth of solar power generation - mainly located on buildings and infrastructure, provided by installations with high efficiency in winter. Solar power will become the second pillar of Switzerland's energy supply, on par with hydropower," Swissolar, a Swiss industry association, said in a press release.

Hydropower accounts for 56% of the power generation structure in 2023, which has greatly promoted the decarbonization of Swiss electricity. This year, solar energy in Switzerland will provide 6 TWh of electricity, about 10% of annual electricity consumption. By 2035, new renewable energy must provide 35 TWh of electricity per year, most of which will come from solar energy. Swissolar expects that by 2050, photovoltaic power generation will reach 45 TWh per year, accounting for about half of the country's electricity consumption.

The new regulations also support local power communities and expand the self-consumption group. Distribution network operators must sell more electricity from local renewable energy to customers.

According to Swissolar, Switzerland will install more than 1.5 GW of photovoltaic systems by 2023.