Must PV be installed immediately for every roof renovation in 2026?

No. The rule must not be presented that way. Art. 27 on comprehensive roof renovations has a one-year transition period from the Act’s entry into force, so the transition rule must be expressly considered.

Which roof renovations does Art. 27 generally cover?

The rule covers comprehensive roof renovations of residential and non-residential buildings with more than 300 m² of relevant building area, provided the technical and economic conditions are met; protection interests may justify exceptions.

Is there a cantonal contribution for battery storage in 2026?

Yes. For eligible stationary batteries connected to grid-connected PV installations, the programme provides CHF 1’000 per installation, capped at 25% of the total investment; usable capacity must be at least 10 kWh.

Cantonal information · Last updated September 2026

Solar panels in Schaffhausen: new solar rules for 2026

A new Energy Act has applied in Schaffhausen since 2026. Specific rules cover new buildings, roof areas, winter electricity and battery storage, with an important transition period for roof renovations.

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New buildings and roof renovations have different start dates

First classify the construction project. A new building and work on an existing building are not governed by the same timing rule.

What applies in 2026, and what applies after the transition period?

Timing is decisive: new buildings and roof renovations do not share the same start date.

From 20261.1.2026

1 January 2026: new Energy Act

For new buildings, the new Energy Act requires the solar potential of suitable roof areas in particular to be used to generate electricity, or the stipulated additional efficiency measures to be met.

Sources: 1

From 2026≥85% / ≥75%

Suitable areas and winter electricity

The relevant rule covers suitable roof areas receiving at least 85% global irradiation. For winter electricity on new buildings, it also provides for a south-facing façade receiving at least 75%; at least half of the suitable opaque area must additionally be considered, subject to exceptions.

The percentages refer to global irradiation, not an angle.

Sources: 1

Transition1-year transition

Art. 27: comprehensive roof renovation >300 m²

Art. 27 concerns comprehensive roof renovations of residential and non-residential buildings with more than 300 m² of relevant building area. A one-year transition period applies from entry into force on 1 January 2026.

Where the rule applies, the ordinance specifies 30 W/m² ERA; technical and economic conditions and protection interests remain relevant.

Sources: 1

Compare quotes on the same basis

The most useful comparison: several quotes for the same project.

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New buildings: plan the roof and south-facing façade together

The south-facing façade is a separate planning point for winter electricity. Have suitable roof and façade areas shown separately in the project rather than stating only one total area for solar modules.

For comparison, the assumed irradiation values and the opaque façade area considered should be transparent. Also ask which exceptions were examined for your project. If the stipulated additional efficiency measures are considered as an alternative, the chosen solution should be clearly identified in the project.

Sources: 1

Roof renovation: what information does the assessment require?

The relevant building area for the scope of Art. 27 is not the same as the roof area. The energy reference area used for the output requirement also serves a different purpose. Have each area expressly assigned in the project assessment.

Also describe the extent of the planned roof work. A robust decision must consider technical feasibility, economic conditions and possible protection interests together. An area figure alone does not establish whether or how the rule applies to your project.

Sources: 1

Battery funding in 2026: separate conditions

The cantonal battery contribution has its own conditions and must be considered separately from federal PV funding through Pronovo. For the storage item, check in particular:

Stationary battery storage connected to a grid-connected PV installation
At least 10 kWh usable capacity
CHF 1’000 per installation
No more than 25% of the total investment

Have the usable capacity and storage price itemised separately in the quote. This shows which battery the funding assumption refers to. Otherwise, a quote with storage is difficult to compare with a PV-only quote.

Sources: 2

Permit-exempt installations must still be notified

Under cantonal rules, permit-exempt solar electricity installations on roofs and façades must be notified at least 30 days before construction starts.

Clarify early who will submit the notification and which project documents must be ready. Here, “permit-exempt” does not mean that notification may be omitted.

Sources: 3,4

Compare costs and quotes

For quote comparisons, consider the actually suitable area, global irradiation and shading, the roof and, where applicable, façade, substructure, electrical work and battery.

Actually suitable roof and façade area
Global irradiation and shading
Substructure and installation
Electrical work and battery storage

Compare several quotes on the same project basis. Keep the cantonal battery contribution separate from federal PV funding through Pronovo.

With PvPro.ch, owners can compare up to three suitable solar quotes free of charge and with no obligation, based on the same project.

Sources: 1,2

Solar project in Schaffhausen

Map and guidance for your solar project in Schaffhausen.

Schaffhausen

Frequently asked questions

What solar rule has applied to new buildings in Schaffhausen since 2026?: Since 1 January 2026, the new Energy Act has required new buildings to use the solar potential of suitable roof areas in particular to generate electricity, or to meet the stipulated additional efficiency measures.
Must PV be installed immediately for every roof renovation in 2026?: No. The rule must not be presented that way. Art. 27 on comprehensive roof renovations has a one-year transition period from the Act’s entry into force, so the transition rule must be expressly considered.
Which roof renovations does Art. 27 generally cover?: The rule covers comprehensive roof renovations of residential and non-residential buildings with more than 300 m² of relevant building area, provided the technical and economic conditions are met; protection interests may justify exceptions.
Is there a cantonal contribution for battery storage in 2026?: Yes. For eligible stationary batteries connected to grid-connected PV installations, the programme provides CHF 1’000 per installation, capped at 25% of the total investment; usable capacity must be at least 10 kWh.
Must a permit-exempt solar installation still be notified?: Yes. Under cantonal rules, permit-exempt solar electricity installations on roofs and façades must be notified at least 30 days before construction starts.

Plan your solar project in concrete terms

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Sources and last update

Last updated: 15 September 2026

Canton of SchaffhausenEnergy Act and Energy Ordinance, version as at 1 January 2026Official source
Canton of Schaffhausen2026 energy funding programmeOfficial source
Canton of SchaffhausenNotification procedure for solar installationsOfficial source
Canton of SchaffhausenSolar energy – Canton of SchaffhausenOfficial source