Solar installation: do I need a building permit?
Since 2026, normal roof and façade systems only need a notification. A building permit is still required for systems in core zones and protected areas, on protected buildings, free-standing systems, solar fences and solar carports. These are exactly the cases solar installers often leave aside; we take them on.
New: solar check. Enter an address and see how suitable your roof is for solar power, using federal data. Go to the solar check
The dossier lead time starts once payment and all required documents have been received. Signatures and the authorities' procedure come on top. Understand the timeline.
Solar installation: notification procedure or special case requiring a permit?
Not every solar installation requires the same procedure. Key factors include roof or façade mounting, protection status, design and any new supporting structure. Our Solar special case package is for projects that require a building application.
Prepare the building application yourself or have it prepared?
Have ready for the preliminary check
- Panel layout plan and details of roof or façade mounting
- Photos, building address and any existing heritage assessments
- Elevations and dimensions of a new carport or ground-mounted structure
- Project documents and contact person at the solar installer
The first enquiry is free. The site-specific preliminary check costs CHF 149 and is credited against the subsequent application.
Have my solar installation checkedSolar installation (special case): rules in 9 cantons (as of October 2026)
Applies within the building zone and outside core zones and protected areas. Municipalities may be stricter.
| Canton | Classification | Rule | Legal basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zurich | Depends on size and location | Sufficiently adapted roof and facade systems: notification. In historic core zones, where townscape or heritage protection applies, free-standing or as a solar carport: building permit via eBaugesucheZH. | Art. 18a RPG, § 2a BVV |
| Aargau | Depends on size and location | Adapted roof or façade systems: notification. Open ground, protected zones, solar carport: building permit. | Art. 18a RPG, § 49 BauV |
| Zug | Depends on size and location | Solar installations with a construction notice; in protected zones, free-standing or as a solar carport, with a building application. | § 44a PBG, Art. 18a RPG |
| Lucerne | Depends on size and location | Roof systems over 20 m² must be notified (20 days before construction starts); smaller ones are exempt. In townscape protection areas, on listed buildings, free-standing or as a solar carport: building permit. | § 54 PBV, Art. 18a RPG |
| Bern | Depends on size and location | Adapted roof or facade systems and small free-standing systems up to 10 m²: notification or exempt. Protected areas, larger open spaces, solar carport: building application via eBau. | Art. 6 Abs. 1 lit. f BewD, Art. 18a RPG |
| Solothurn | Depends on size and location | Well-integrated roof or façade installations: notification procedure (canton of Solothurn solar installation guide 2026). Protected zones, open land, solar carport: building permit. | Art. 18a RPG, Leitfaden Solaranlagen SO |
| Basel-Landschaft | Depends on size and location | Roof and facade installations: notification. Protected zones, ground-mounted installations, solar carport: building application. | Art. 18a RPG |
| St. Gallen | Depends on size and location | Solar installations under the RPG: notification (cantonal notification form 2026). Protected properties, open land, solar carport: building application. | Art. 136 Abs. 2 lit. i PBG, Art. 18a RPG |
| Thurgau | Depends on size and location | Roof or façade installations: notification. Protected properties, open land, solar carport: building application. | Art. 18a RPG |
Non-binding overview without guarantee. The cantonal building law, your municipality's building and zoning regulations and the decision of the building authority are authoritative. We examine your specific case.
What the building application for a solar installation contains
- Cantonal building application form, fully completed, with the client, landowner and plan author.
- Site plan 1:500 based on the official cadastral survey, with the structure drawn in, dimensions and distances to boundaries and roads.
- Floor plan, section and elevation with all height and length dimensions, materials and colours.
- Construction description covering use, construction, drainage and the justification of any exceptions.
- List of enclosures and (where required) neighbours' signatures, noise certificate, energy certificate or design certificate.
- Instructions for profile poles (outline markers), if the municipality requires them.
To the full document checklist and local submission routes
Typical mistakes that can lead to queries
- Boundary distance not respected or not clearly dimensioned.
- Structure planned between the building line and the road without checking.
- The type of fixing is used as the only criterion, without checking use, duration and local rules.
- Landowner's signature missing (condominium ownership: consent of the owners' association).
- Core zone or listed property not recognised, where separate design rules apply.
Frequently asked questions about solar systems
Can I install a solar system without a building permit?
It depends on the type of construction, size, location and the cantonal and municipal regulations. Check in particular the zone, protection status and distances. Our free check is an initial assessment; in the preliminary assessment we clarify the specific location and the procedure with the competent office.
How much does the building application for a solar installation cost?
With us, CHF 1'290 fixed price for the application file, including submission and queries. Authority fees and agreed additional services are extra. You receive the scope of services before you commission us.
Does every solar installation in a core zone automatically need a building application?
This must be clarified for the specific installation and the applicable protection rules. The core zone designation alone does not replace checking the protection status, design and legal requirements.
Are the building application, grid connection and subsidy the same procedure?
No. The building law submission, technical connection documents and a subsidy application have different purposes and responsibilities. Coordinate the tasks with your solar installer; the scope of our application file service is set before the order is placed.
How long does the permit for a solar system take?
Our application file turnaround is 7 working days after receipt of payment and all the necessary documents. The authority's processing is separate and depends on the procedure, requests for additional information and any objections.
What happens if the solar installation (special case) is already in place?
Send us any existing plans, photos and letters from the building authority. We review the next steps for the dossier and the deadlines set in the letter. Our package for retrospective building applications costs CHF 990; the authority decides on the permit.
Solar installation (special case) by canton
Solar installation planned or already built?
Assessment in 2 working days, application file in 7 working days once all documents are complete. Fixed price CHF 1'290.