Solar installation (special case) in the canton of Thurgau: building permit needed?
Depends on size and location
Short answer: roof/façade installations: notification. Protected objects, open land, solar carport: building application.
Basis: Art. 18a RPG. Planning and Building Act (PBG). As of October 2026. Applies within the building zone and outside core zones and protected areas. Municipalities can be stricter.
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What specifically applies in the canton of Thurgau
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.
Permit-free in the canton of Thurgau: tool sheds up to 9 m² footprint and 2.2 m total height, terrain changes up to 0.7 m in height and 200 m² in area, and retaining walls within narrow limits are permit-free (§ 99 PBG).
Procedure: § 99 PBG exhaustively lists the permit-free structures. For minor projects, there is the simplified procedure.
Submission: cantonal building application form to the municipality; digitally via eBau Thurgau if the municipality offers it.
Note the official municipal instructions in the canton of Thurgau and our document checklist.
Our fixed price for a solar installation in the canton of Thurgau
- Preliminary check CHF 149, written assessment with the procedure, documents and fee range of your municipality. Credited towards the application.
- Building application CHF 1'290, complete dossier, submission, queries and deadlines until the decision. Excl. municipal fees.
- Retrospective building application CHF 990, if a solar installation is already in place and the municipality requires an application.
Frequently asked questions
Does a solar installation (special case) need a permit in the canton of Thurgau?
Depends on size and location. Roof and façade installations: notification. Protected properties, open land, solar carport: building application. Basis: Art. 18a RPG.
Which procedure applies in the canton of Thurgau?
§ 99 PBG lists permit-free structures exhaustively. For minor projects there is the simplified procedure.
Who may submit the application in the canton of Thurgau?
No formal professional qualification is required. You give us a power of attorney; the client and the landowner sign the application.
How much does the building application for a solar installation in the canton of Thurgau cost?
Our fixed price is CHF 1'290 for the dossier, including submission and follow-up questions. Authority fees and agreed additional services are extra; the official tariff depends on the location.
Municipalities in the canton of Thurgau
Solar system (special case) in other cantons
Solar installation (special case) in the canton of Thurgau: we submit the application.
Assessment in 2 working days, dossier in 5. Enquire without obligation.